Acid Hags: The Garage Rock Revivalists
Acid Hags is a high-energy garage rock band from Melbourne, Australia, known for their raw, riff-driven sound and explosive live performances. The band achieved a significant commercial milestone when their second album, Voltage Visions, debuted at number 12 on the ARIA Albums Chart in 2018.
Early career
Formed in 2012, Acid Hags coalesced from the city's vibrant DIY punk and rock scene. Their self-titled debut EP, released independently in 2014, quickly sold out its initial vinyl pressing, catching the attention of local label Gutter Records.
This early success led to a deal with Gutter Records, which reissued the EP and funded their first national tour. The band's relentless touring schedule throughout 2015 and 2016 built a formidable grassroots following.
Breakthrough
The band's breakthrough arrived in 2017 with the single Blackout Fever, which became a staple on Australian community radio. This momentum propelled their 2018 album Voltage Visions, released through Gutter Records in partnership with Poison City Records, to its chart success.
Voltage Visions was certified Gold in Australia within a year, a rare feat for a guitar band in that period. The album's success was cemented by extensive touring, including support slots for international acts.
Key tracks
Blackout Fever — This breakthrough single defined their signature blend of garage punk urgency and classic rock swagger.
Neon Ghost — A standout track from Voltage Visions that received heavy rotation on alternative rock radio stations.
Highwire Act — Known for its frenetic pace and became a live set staple, often closing their shows.
Static Age — This 2021 single marked a slight shift towards a more polished, yet still aggressive, production style.
Following their breakthrough, Acid Hags collaborated with veteran producer Mikey Young on their third album, 2021's Circuits. The album debuted in the ARIA top 20 and included a notable collaboration with singer-guitarist Grace Drummond on the track Parallel Lines.
The band maintains a strong presence in the Australian rock scene, frequently appearing at major festivals like Unify Gathering and touring nationally. Their music draws clear inspiration from the garage rock revival of the early 2000s while forging its own distinct, modern identity.
Fans of Acid Hags often also enjoy the work of similar Australian rock acts like Royal Headache, who share a similar passion for soul-infused garage punk. The riff-heavy approach connects them to The Chats, another group known for its high-energy, no-frills rock. Listeners appreciate the melodic grit found in Amyl and The Sniffers, a band with a comparable raw power. The driving rhythm section also recalls the earlier work of Jet, another Australian group that successfully channeled classic rock energy.
Acid Hags' music is a regular feature on alternative rock radio stations and dedicated online rock radio streams. Their songs, particularly from the certified Gold album Voltage Visions, are programmed alongside both contemporary guitar bands and classic garage rock acts, ensuring their sound reaches a broad audience of rock enthusiasts.
The music of Acid Hags can be heard on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover and follow the Australian garage rock band through a variety of independent music radio stations and classic rock FM stations available on onairium.com.
