Shanty: The Raw Power of Modern Garage Rock

Shanty is a dynamic garage rock band from Melbourne, Australia, known for their high-energy live shows and gritty, authentic sound. Their 2018 debut album, Gutter Anthems, propelled them to national recognition, charting in the Top 20 on the ARIA Albums Chart and achieving gold certification for sales exceeding 35,000 copies.

Early career

Formed in 2013, the quartet of vocalist/guitarist Mia Vance, guitarist Leo Chen, bassist Samir "Sam" Jones, and drummer Hugo Black cut their teeth in the city's famed inner-city pub circuit. Their self-released EP, Brickwork Sessions (2015), caught the ear of independent label Dusty Vinyl Records, which signed the band and reissued the EP the following year.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the release of their first full-length album, Gutter Anthems. Produced by renowned engineer Tim Whitten, the album's lead single, "Neon Bruise," became a staple on Australian alternative radio, peaking at number 15 on the Triple J Hottest 100 countdown that year. The album's success was solidified by a sold-out national headline tour and its subsequent gold certification.

Key tracks

Neon Bruise — This breakout single defined their signature blend of distorted guitar riffs and anthemic, shout-along choruses.

Concrete Heart — A slower, blues-infused track that showcased the band's dynamic range and Vance's compelling vocal storytelling.

Gutter Anthems — The title track became a live favorite for its relentless pace and became a rallying cry for their growing fanbase.

Radio Silence — This 2021 single marked a more polished production style while maintaining their raw energy, receiving high rotation on community radio.

Following their breakthrough, Shanty toured extensively across Australia and supported international acts like The Chats and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard. Their sophomore album, Static Bloom (2021), debuted at number 12 on the ARIA chart and featured a collaboration with fellow Melbourne artist Emily Wurramara on the track "Coastal Fires." The band continues to be a dominant force in the local scene, known for their unwavering commitment to a visceral, unpolished rock sound.

Fans of Shanty's gritty Australian rock should also explore The Chats for their punk-infused garage energy. Amyl and The Sniffers share a similar high-octane, pub-rock intensity and commanding female vocal presence. The driving rhythms and fuzzy guitar work of Royal Headache also resonate with Shanty's approach. For a touch of psychedelic garage, listeners can discover ORB, another prolific act from the same fertile Melbourne scene.

The music of Shanty is a regular feature on the rock radio stations featured on our platform. Their tracks are frequently spun on dedicated alternative rock radio stations and independent music radio stations that champion guitar-driven sounds, ensuring their anthems reach a passionate audience of rock enthusiasts.

You can discover the raw power of Shanty's garage rock catalog by tuning into the radio stations available on onairium.com, where their music is regularly featured alongside the best in modern and classic rock.