Down Below (The Cruel Sea album)
# Down Below (The Cruel Sea album)

Down Below is the debut studio album by Australian indie rock band The Cruel Sea. Originally released as a 12" EP in September 1989, it was re-released in December 1989 as the band's debut studio album.

The album includes the track "Reckless Eyeballin'" – an instrumental track that later became the theme song of Australian TV police drama, Blue Heelers (1994–2006).

## Background and release

The Cruel Sea formed late 1987 by Jim Elliot on drums and Dan Rumour on guitar, and as a purely instrumental outfit. In late 1988, keyboardist James Cruickshank and Ken Gormley on bass were added and in early 1989 singer Tex Perkins joined the band on a part-time basis and added lyrics to the band's melodies. The band signed to Red Eye Records in mid-1989 and released Down Below as a 9-track 12" EP in September 1989. It was re-released in December 1989 with two additional tracks as the band's debut studio album.

## Reception

The Canberra Times said, "The band has roped in Tex Perkins (from the Beasts of Bourbon) as singer, and his deep, mournful voice gives the vocal tracks a wonderfully evocative atmosphere. Strong acoustic or semi-acoustic guitar dominates most tracks, with a largely inconspicuous rhythm line and keyboards."

## Charts

| Charts (1989) | Peak position |
| - | - |
| Australian Albums (ARIA) | 133 |

## Release history

| Country | Date | Format | Label | Catalogue |
| - | - | - | - | - |
| Australia | September 1989 | 12" Extended Play | Red Eye Records | REDEP 7 |
| Australia | 2 December 1990 | CD, Cassette, LP | Red Eye Records, Polydor Records | 843665-1, REDLP 19 |
