Axiom
Formed in Melbourne in 1969, Axiom were arguably Australia's
first "supergroup". Yet, in spite of a wealth of talent
and promise, some notable chart successes and two superb albums of
original material, they failed to achieve lasting popularity, due
in part to waning public support in Australia as they vainly tried
to crack the fickle English market, and the band fizzled out after
less than two years.
Axiom was formed by Brian Cadd and Don Mudie, both former
members of leading Melbourne band The Groop. Cadd was already a
prominent singer, songwriter and keyboard player. Besides his
success with The Groop, he wrote hits for other acts, including
Elevator Driver for The Master's Apprentices. Glenn Shorrock was
the former lead singer of The Twilights.
Axiom signed to Fable Records and their first single, Arkansas
Grass, reached Number 7 in December 1969. Doug Lavery left the
band in 1970 and was replaced by Don Lebler. They released their
second single A Little Ray of Sunshine (written about
Cadd's newborn daughter). Their excellent debut LP Fools Gold
reached number 18 in June.
Departing for England, Axiom signed a three year contract with
Warner’s Reprise label who assigned legendary producer Shel
Talmy to record the band's third single, Father Confessor. The
single was released in July, but failed to chart in Australia,
probably due to the group’s absence from home.
In September, Axiom were flown to Los Angeles where they
recorded the remaining tracks for their second LP If Only. They
returned to Australia for a few months in November 1970 and then
headed back to England in February 1971.
The difficulties of slogging it out in England and cracking the
international market took their toll, and two weeks before the
album was to be released the band decided to break up.
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