Call the Cops: The High-Energy Sound of Modern Garage Rock
Call the Cops is a dynamic garage rock band that emerged from the vibrant music scene of Melbourne, Australia. The group achieved notable commercial success with their 2018 debut album, which charted within the top 40 on the ARIA Albums Chart and solidified their reputation for raucous, guitar-driven anthems.
Early career
Formed in 2013, Call the Cops began as a trio of university friends united by a love for raw, energetic rock and roll. They honed their sound through relentless gigging in Melbourne's inner-city pubs, self-releasing their first EP, Noise Complaint, in 2015. This early work caught the attention of local independent label Dusty Records, which signed the band later that year.
Breakthrough
The band's breakthrough arrived in 2017 with the single Panic Stations. Its infectious riff and shout-along chorus became a staple on Australian alternative radio, leading to a gold certification for digital sales. This momentum propelled their 2018 debut album, Code Red, onto the national charts and established Call the Cops as a major force in the modern garage rock revival.
Key tracks
Panic Stations — This gold-certified single broke the band nationally with its relentless energy and became their signature track.
Neon Lies — Featured in several television sports broadcasts, this song expanded their audience beyond the traditional rock sphere.
Code Red — The title track from their debut album showcases their ability to blend punk urgency with sharp, melodic hooks.
Flash Point — A fan-favorite live staple known for its extended, frenetic guitar solos and driving rhythm section.
Static Age — This 2021 single marked a slight evolution in their sound, incorporating more nuanced production while retaining their core intensity.
Following their debut's success, Call the Cops embarked on extensive national and international touring, including support slots for bands like The Chats and DZ Deathrays. Their second album, 2021's Transmission, debuted at number 32 on the ARIA chart and was praised for its refined songcraft. The band has collaborated with producers like Burke Reid and continues to be a mainstay on the Australian festival circuit.
Fans of Call the Cops often appreciate the work of similar Australian garage and punk-inspired acts. The Chats share a similarly irreverent and high-energy approach to rock music. DZ Deathrays offer a comparable blend of brute force and danceable rhythms. Skegss operate in the same sun-soaked, punk-inflected garage rock territory. Amyl and The Sniffers deliver a parallel raw power and charismatic vocal delivery.
The music of Call the Cops maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly across alternative rock radio stations and dedicated guitar music formats. Their hits are frequently spun on classic rock FM stations seeking a contemporary edge, as well as on independent music radio stations that champion Australian guitar bands. Online rock radio streams regularly feature their catalog, ensuring their sound reaches a global audience of rock enthusiasts.
Listeners can discover the explosive garage rock of Call the Cops through the various radio stations featured on onairium.com. Their discography, from early singles to latest albums, is played regularly, offering a perfect gateway into their high-octane musical world.
