Hoodwink: The Gritty Architects of Modern Garage Rock

Hoodwink is a dynamic garage rock band that emerged from the vibrant underground scene of Melbourne, Australia. The group achieved mainstream recognition with their 2018 debut album, Static Echoes, which charted in the top 20 on the ARIA Albums Chart and was certified gold.

Early career

Formed in 2013, Hoodwink's founding members met while studying at a Melbourne technical college. The band honed their raw, energetic sound through relentless gigging at local venues like The Tote and The Old Bar. Their first tangible release was the 2015 self-released EP Crooked Numbers, which caught the attention of independent label Poison City Records.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the release of their debut full-length album, Static Echoes, on Poison City Records. Propelled by heavy rotation on national youth radio station Triple J, the album's lead single saw significant digital sales, contributing to the album's eventual gold certification in Australia.

Key tracks

Battery Lane — This lead single from Static Echoes became the band's signature track and a staple on Australian alternative radio.

Paper Cuts — A driving album cut that exemplifies their blend of punk energy with melodic garage rock hooks.

Short Fuse — This track from their 2021 follow-up EP showcased a tighter, more refined production while retaining their signature grit.

Gutterball — A fan-favorite live track known for its explosive breakdown and crowd participation.

The band's momentum continued with their 2021 EP No Signal and subsequent national tours supporting acts like DZ Deathrays. Hoodwink has also collaborated with producers like Burke Reid, known for his work with Courtney Barnett, further sharpening their studio sound. Their music maintains a loyal following on streaming platforms, with monthly listener counts consistently in the hundreds of thousands.

Fans of Hoodwink's raucous Australian garage rock may also enjoy DZ Deathrays, who share a similar high-energy, riff-driven approach. The melodic sensibilities of Skegss also align closely with Hoodwink's sunnier, punk-inflected moments. For listeners drawn to the raw, unpolished edge, The Chats offer a more irreverent take on the genre. The driving rhythms and dual vocals of Royal Headache also provide a compelling parallel.

Hoodwink's catalog is a regular feature on alternative rock radio stations and online rock radio streams dedicated to guitar-driven music. Their songs are frequently played on independent music radio stations that champion emerging rock talent from the Australasian region and beyond.

The music of Hoodwink can be heard across various radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover or tune into Hoodwink's gritty garage rock anthems through the curated rock and alternative radio stations available on onairium.com.