Gifford is credited with creating a significant part of the Oils' tight, driving sound, and has been described as being an aggressive bass guitarist. He played on the albums
Place without a Postcard (1981),
10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 (1982),
Red Sails in the Sunset (1984) and
Diesel and Dust (1987), as well the EPs
Bird Noises (1980) and
Species Deceases (1985). Gifford joined the band in 1980 after hearing on the radio about the auditions for a replacement for bassist Andrew James, whose poor health required him to withdraw from the band. He was actually driving over the
Sydney Harbour Bridge to work as a roadie at the time. The band was looking for a more aggressive style of bass playing (an 'animal' in the words of guitarist Jim Moginie). Gifford predominantly played a
Fender Precision Bass guitar and this can be seen in the
Oils on the Water concert, performed on
Goat Island in 1985. His bass solo work in live performances of "Stand in Line" was his signature. He also played the
Chapman Stick on the tracks "Sleep" and "Who Can Stand in the Way" on the
Red Sails in the Sunset album, and in concert. Gifford provided many backing vocals for the band, and is credited by longtime producer
Nick Launay as being a significant contributor in the recording studio. In 1987, he left the group, for personal reasons. He was later replaced by
Bones Hillman. ==Discography==