Aasthma: The Gritty Force in Modern Garage Rock
Aasthma is a dynamic garage rock band that emerged from the vibrant underground scene of Melbourne, Australia. The group achieved a significant commercial milestone with their second studio album, "Gutter Splendor," which debuted at number 12 on the ARIA Albums Chart and was certified gold within its first year of release.
Early career
The band formed in Melbourne in 2014, born from late-night jam sessions between vocalist/guitarist Jax Turner and drummer Eli Vance. Their raw, energetic sound was quickly cemented with the addition of bassist Mara Kole, leading to a self-released EP, "Concrete Lung," in 2015.
This early work caught the attention of local independent label Dustbin Records, which signed the trio and reissued the EP. Their full-length debut, "Burning the Bloom," followed in 2017, establishing their reputation for fuzzed-out guitars and propulsive rhythms.
Breakthrough
Aasthma's breakthrough arrived in 2020 with their critically acclaimed sophomore album, "Gutter Splendor." Released through the larger indie powerhouse Spinning Top Music, the album's lead single, "Neon Shakes," became an instant staple on Australian community radio.
The track's success propelled "Gutter Splendor" into the national spotlight, earning the band their first ARIA Chart placement and a subsequent gold certification. This period marked their transition from cult favorites to a formidable presence in Australian rock.
Key tracks
Neon Shakes — This breakthrough single defined their signature blend of garage rock urgency with an undeniable, hook-laden chorus.
Gutter Splendor — The album's title track showcases their ability to build sprawling, dynamic song structures from a foundation of pure riffage.
Concrete Lung — An early fan favorite from their first EP that remains a fiery setlist staple, highlighting their unpolished, potent origins.
Velvet Hangover — This later single from 2022 demonstrated a more nuanced, psychedelic-tinged evolution in their songwriting.
The momentum from "Gutter Splendor" led to major festival slots at Splendour in the Grass and a national support tour with fellow rockers DZ Deathrays in 2021. Their third album, 2023's "Heavy Air," saw them experiment with denser production while maintaining their core garage rock intensity, debuting at number 8 on the ARIA Chart.
Notable collaborations include a co-writing session with producer Burke Reid for several "Heavy Air" tracks and a featured guest vocal from The Chats' Eamon Sandford on the B-side "Pub Feed." Aasthma's music continues to resonate for its authentic, high-voltage delivery and lyrical snapshots of urban life.
Fans of Aasthma's raucous Australian garage rock sound should also explore Amyl and The Sniffers for their similarly explosive punk energy. The Churches share a knack for crafting anthemic hooks within a guitar-driven framework. The gritty, melodic sensibilities of DMA's earlier work also provide a compelling parallel. For a touch of classic garage rock influence, listen to Jet and their riff-oriented rock and roll.
Aasthma's catalog is a regular feature on alternative and guitar-rock radio stations across our network. Their hits like "Neon Shakes" receive consistent spins on dedicated indie rock streams, while their deeper album cuts energize specialty programs focused on the modern punk and garage revival.
You can hear the powerful garage rock of Aasthma on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover their discography and experience the raw energy that has made them a standout act in Australian rock music.
