Make Out Alright

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious "Make Out Alright" by Divinyls, from their 1991 self-titled album, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its raw energy. This track, the third single from the album, captures the band’s signature blend of provocative lyrics and gritty rock riffs. Written in Paris by core members Chrissy Amphlett and Mark McEntee, the song was part of a creative burst that also produced "Love School" and "Lay Your Body Down." The duo’s time in Paris, living in a shared apartment, fueled a period of intense songwriting before they moved to Los Angeles to finish the album with songwriters Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly. While "Make Out Alright" didn’t chart as high as the album’s smash hit "I Touch Myself," it’s a fan favorite for its bold, unapologetic attitude, with Amphlett’s sultry vocals and McEntee’s searing guitar work driving the track’s rebellious spirit.

Trivia about "Make Out Alright" reveals the band’s dynamic during its creation. In a 1991 interview, Amphlett described the Paris writing sessions as both chaotic and inspiring, with her and McEntee often clashing but channeling their tension into the music. The song’s lyrics, dripping with sensuality, reflect Amphlett’s fearless stage persona—she was known for performing in a schoolgirl uniform and fishnet stockings, wielding a neon tube as a prop to command the stage. Fans on Divinyls fan groups on Facebook often share stories of Amphlett’s electrifying live performances during the 1991 tour, where "Make Out Alright" was a setlist staple, igniting crowds with its raw edge. The track’s production, handled by Dave Tickle, leaned into a stripped-down rock sound compared to the band’s earlier, more polished albums, a choice Amphlett later said in a radio interview felt like “getting back to our roots.”

Divinyls began their journey in Sydney, Australia, in 1980, when Chrissy Amphlett, a charismatic singer with a penchant for subversive humor, met guitarist Mark McEntee at a concert at the Sydney Opera House. The two, joined by bassist Jeremy Paul, formed the band after Amphlett’s earlier stint in the adult-themed musical Let My People Come at age 17 and her brief acting role in the 1982 film Monkey Grip, where the band also contributed songs. Their early days were marked by a hard rock sound and Amphlett’s provocative stage presence, drawing comparisons to AC/DC’s Angus Young for her schoolgirl outfits and wild energy. Managed initially by Vince Lovegrove, the band signed with WEA and later Chrysalis, building a cult following with their debut album Desperate in 1983. Despite lineup changes, Amphlett and McEntee remained the heart of Divinyls, their volatile relationship fueling both creative highs and eventual dissolution in 1996.

Though Divinyls no longer have an active official website, fans can explore their legacy through various online platforms. The band’s official Facebook page remains a hub for updates and tributes, especially following Amphlett’s passing in 2013. Their Instagram account shares nostalgic photos and clips, while the official X account occasionally posts about their music and influence. Fan communities thrive on platforms like Facebook groups dedicated to Divinyls, where Zoo Freaks and others swap stories, rare photos, and memories of the band’s iconic live shows. While no standalone fan websites are currently prominent, the Rate Your Music page for Divinyls offers a detailed discography and fan reviews, keeping the band’s spirit alive for new and longtime listeners.