Finger: The Gritty Force of Australian Alternative Rock

Finger is an Australian alternative rock band known for its raw, riff-heavy sound and energetic live performances. Emerging from Sydney in the early 2000s, the group carved a distinct path with their debut album "Dirty Needles," which achieved gold certification and solidified their reputation as a formidable live act.

Early career

Finger formed in Sydney in 2001, founded by vocalist/guitarist Stewart "Stew" Cunningham and guitarist Anthony "Tone" Roberts. The band's early sound was a potent mix of punk energy and stoner rock grooves, quickly earning them a loyal local following through relentless gigging.

Their self-titled debut EP in 2003 caught the attention of independent label Chatterbox Records, which signed the band later that year. This early period was defined by a DIY ethos and a growing collection of hard-hitting songs that would form their first album.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 2005 with the release of their debut album, "Dirty Needles," on Chatterbox Records. Fueled by relentless touring and strong alternative radio support for its singles, the album climbed to number 22 on the Australian Albums Chart and was certified gold within ten months.

This commercial success was built on a foundation of critical acclaim for the album's unpolished intensity and Cunningham's distinctive vocal delivery. The achievement marked Finger as one of the most promising new acts in the Australian rock scene.

Key tracks

Dirty Needles — The title track from their breakthrough album became an instant anthem on Australian rock radio.

Blackout — This single's driving rhythm and catchy hook helped propel the album to gold status.

Gutter Queen — A fan favorite known for its massive, sludgy guitar riff and explosive live energy.

Paper Trails — Showcased the band's ability to blend melodic songwriting with their signature heavy sound.

Rust — A later career track that demonstrated the band's evolution while maintaining their core sonic identity.

Following their initial success, Finger released their second album, "The Crux," in 2008. The record debuted at number 15 on the national chart and spawned several successful singles, though it did not replicate the certification success of their debut. The band toured extensively throughout Australia and Asia, sharing stages with major international acts.

Their third studio album, "Gravity's Pull," arrived in 2012 via a new deal with Poison City Records. This period saw the band experimenting with more complex structures while retaining their foundational grit. Finger has maintained a consistent touring schedule and recording output, solidifying their status as stalwarts of the Australian alternative rock circuit.

For fans of Finger's brand of driving alternative rock, similar Australian acts include The Living End for their punk-infused rockabilly energy. Magic Dirt shares a similar love for dirty, distorted guitar tones and visceral performance. You Am I exemplifies the same tradition of sharp, anthemic Australian rock songwriting.

Finger's music remains in regular rotation on a variety of radio formats featured on this website. Listeners can hear their classic hits and newer material on dedicated alternative rock radio stations, classic rock FM broadcasts, and independent music radio streams that champion guitar-driven music.

You can discover the powerful sound of Finger by tuning into the radio stations available on onairium.com. Their catalog, from "Dirty Needles" onward, is frequently featured across our network of rock and alternative stations for listeners worldwide.