Eight albums and twenty-five years later, The Waifs just got their first ARIA #1! ‘Ironbark’ flew into the charts this week to take the top spot.
“Driving down south today I got a call from Phil our manager…he says rather seriously ‘I’ve got some news for you’…My stomach dropped and my bum clenched …I braced for the storm… ‘The Waifs just got their first number 1 album!’ he said. The Waifs name rocketing to the top of the charts for the first time in 25 years. Not too shabby for a middle aged folk band! So much love kicking around camp right now for everyone who has worked behind the scenes to make this album happen. We are truly blessed to work with you all and OUR ALBUM JUST WENT TO NUMBER 1!!! Thank you!” said Vikki.
It’s 25 years since West Australian sisters Donna and Vikki Simpson (now Vikki Thorn) joined forces with Josh Cunningham to create one of the country’s best-loved bands. Since releasing their debut, self-titled album in 1996 The Waifs have established a strong and loyal fan-base worldwide, built on the relentless touring they did in Australia in those formative years, playing in any town that would have them, honing their stagecraft and their song writing skills along the way. Ironbark, the group’s eighth studio album, is a thank you to those thousands of fans who have stuck with them at home and overseas, and a fitting one given the quality of the material.
“Joshua Cunningham’s title track from the new album, Ironbark, followed, as did new songs I Won’t Go Down and Lion And Gazelle, showing that even this far down the track, the band are writing new standards…While the sisters bantered on stage, Cunningham was the quiet foil — his guitar, however, spoke often, beautifully similar to the way in which George Harrison once spoke with his…It’s wonderful to see a band who have come so far down the road, with so much more left in the tank.” The West Australian
“Ironbark, grew organically and the result is as warm and spontaneous and seductive as anything in their impressive back catalogue.” The Sydney Morning Herald “There are moments of utter loveliness (the wistful “Long Way From Home” and “Shiny Apple”) and darkness too (the timely subject matter of “Syria”). After 25 years together, the strength of Vicki, Donna, and Josh’s relationship is palpable, and for the first time ever they join all their vocals on the twisting opener and title track.” Rolling Stone Magazine
“There is something mystical about listening to the organic twangs and harmonic shrills of these folk-country masters as their music sinks its roots deep down into your soul.” Stack Magazine