CDB: Australia's Premier Pop-Rock Export

CDB, or Christine Anu, Darren Mullahy, Brad O’Dowd, and Andrew "Dru" Thompson, are an Australian pop-rock band renowned for their energetic fusion of soul, rock, and pop. Formed in Sydney in 1991, the group achieved major commercial success in the mid-1990s, securing multiple platinum certifications and delivering a string of chart-topping hits that defined a generation of Australian radio.

Early career

The band's origins trace back to the Sydney club scene, where the four members honed their sound through dynamic live performances. Their big break arrived in 1994 when they signed with the independent label rooArt, a subsidiary of BMG, which was home to several prominent Australian alternative acts at the time.

Breakthrough

CDB's 1995 debut album, Glide, propelled them to national fame. Fueled by its infectious lead single, the album achieved double platinum status in Australia, selling over 140,000 copies and peaking at number 2 on the ARIA Albums Chart. This success firmly established the band as a major force in the Australian pop-rock landscape.

Key tracks

Let's Groove — This cover of the Earth, Wind & Fire classic became their signature hit, reaching number 2 on the ARIA Singles Chart and receiving heavy rotation on radio and music television.

Hook Me Up — A high-energy original track that showcased their soulful vocals and tight musicianship, becoming another top 10 hit from the Glide album.

Don't Stop — This anthemic single further cemented their chart dominance, contributing to the sustained success of their debut album throughout 1995 and 1996.

Back Then — A standout track that demonstrated the band's ability to blend smooth harmonies with a driving pop-rock rhythm section.

Following their explosive debut, CDB released their second album, Luminous, in 1998. While it did not match the commercial heights of Glide, it produced the hit single "Might Be You" and confirmed their consistent songwriting craft. The band continued to tour extensively and release music, including the 2001 album Vibe, maintaining a loyal fanbase across Australia.

Fans of CDB's soul-infused pop-rock sound should also explore other great Australian acts from the era. Hunters And Collectors share a similar anthemic, pub-rock energy. The Black Sorrows offer a comparable blend of soulful vocals and roots-rock instrumentation. The Badloves delivered a parallel style of melodic, blues-tinged Australian rock during the same period.

The music of CDB remains a staple on classic Australian rock and pop FM stations, as well as dedicated online radio streams that celebrate 1990s alternative and pop-rock. Their timeless hits are frequently featured in rotation, connecting with both nostalgic listeners and new audiences discovering the vibrant sounds of that decade.

You can hear the iconic pop-rock hits of CDB on various radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover and enjoy the band's classic Australian sound through the curated rock and classic hits stations available on onairium.com.