Powderfinger rose among Australia's most popular radio-friendly rock bands after only three albums. The group formed in Brisbane, a city known for its subtropical climate and its often staunchly conservative "deep north" politics. Beginning as a trio, Powderfinger took shape in 1990 when two additional members joined, among them singer/guitarist Bernard Fanning. Early performances consisted of covers drawn from Neil Young (whose song supplied the band's name), the Rolling Stones, the Doors, Led Zeppelin, Steppenwolf, and Rodriguez. The musicians booked their own shows, distributed their own flyers, and invested the proceeds in a pressing of 1,500 copies of a self-titled EP.
Their second EP, Transformer, gained notice for "Reap What You Sow," a track built on vocal harmonies that foregrounded Fanning's soulful voice and signaled later directions. A contract with Polydor Records, Australia, brought the August 1994 release of the major-label debut Parables for Wooden Ears. Produced by Tony Cohen (Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, the Cruel Sea), the album emphasized the band's heavier sound. A Top Ten seller in their home state, it reached a national audience through sustained touring.
After a period of creative withdrawal and the release of two further CD EPs, work began on the second album. The breakthrough Double Allergic reflected a clear turn toward accessible rock songs anchored in melodic grooves. Singles "Pick You Up" and "DAF" (named for the song's first three chords) earned strong airplay. The album entered the Top Ten in September 1996, achieved double-platinum status, and remained in the Top 30 for six months.
Internationalist followed in September 1998, debuted at number one, and was still charting a year later when the band collected several ARIAs. Continuing the September-release pattern, Odyssey #5 entered at number one in 2000, became the group's highest-selling album with sales exceeding five platinum awards, and secured worldwide distribution by the end of that year.
