Divinyls: Australian New Wave and Rock Pioneers
Divinyls were an Australian rock band formed in Sydney in 1980, best known for their distinctive fusion of new wave, pop, and raw rock energy. Their international breakthrough came with the provocative single "I Touch Myself" in 1991, which became a global hit and defined their bold, unapologetic style.
Early career
The band's core and constant members were charismatic frontwoman Christina Amphlett and guitarist Mark McEntee. They quickly built a formidable live reputation in the early 1980s Australian pub rock scene, known for Amphlett's schoolgirl-uniform aesthetic and powerful, confrontational stage presence. Their early independent singles, like "Boys in Town" and "Only Lonely," garnered attention, leading to their debut album Desperate in 1983.
Breakthrough
Divinyls achieved major commercial success in Australia throughout the 1980s with albums like What a Life! (1985) and Temperamental (1988). Their definitive global breakthrough arrived in 1991 with the single "I Touch Myself" from the self-titled album Divinyls. The song's unabashed theme and catchy hook propelled it to top 10 charts in Australia, the US, and the UK, earning multi-platinum certifications and iconic status.
Key tracks
I Touch Myself - The band's signature global hit from 1991, celebrated for its bold lyrics and unforgettable pop-rock hook.
Science Fiction - A key track from their debut album Desperate, showcasing their early, gritty new wave sound.
Pleasure and Pain - The title track from their 1985 album, exemplifying their dynamic blend of rock energy and pop sensibility.
Boys in Town - An early single that captured the raw power of their live performances and established their reputation in Australia.
Following their peak in the early 1990s, Divinyls continued to record and tour intermittently, releasing their final studio album, Underworld, in 1996. The band's legacy is firmly rooted in Christina Amphlett's iconic status as a pioneering female rock vocalist in Australia. Their music, particularly the album Divinyls, remains a staple of the era's alternative and rock playlists.
Fans of Divinyls' brand of catchy, attitude-driven rock may also enjoy similar Australian acts. Listen to INXS for another iconic Australian band that mastered pop-rock on a global scale. Explore Midnight Oil for politically charged rock with a powerful frontperson. Discover Models for more Australian 1980s new wave and post-punk innovation.
The music of Divinyls features regularly on classic alternative and rock radio stations, particularly those celebrating 1980s and 1990s hits. Their songs are essential listening on stations dedicated to new wave and Australian rock history.
You can hear the music of Divinyls on radio stations featured here on onairium.com, where listeners can discover their influential catalog within curated rock and alternative formats.
