Sticks: The Gritty Force of Australian Garage Rock

Sticks is a dynamic Australian garage rock band known for its raw, high-energy sound and relentless touring schedule. The group achieved significant commercial success with their debut album, which charted in the top 20 on the ARIA Albums Chart and earned a gold certification for sales.

Early career

Formed in Melbourne in 2010, Sticks coalesced around the songwriting partnership of vocalist/guitarist Jack Rourke and drummer Mia Chen. The band cut its teeth playing raucous, sweat-soaked sets in inner-city pubs, developing a loyal local following. Their self-released 2012 EP, Concrete Floor, captured this raw energy and led to a deal with independent label Dusty Records in 2013.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 2015 with their debut full-length album, Voltage. Released on Dusty Records with distribution through a major, the album's lead single gained heavy rotation on national youth radio. Voltage debuted at number 18 on the ARIA chart and was later certified gold, solidifying Sticks as a major new force in Australian rock.

Key tracks

Blackout — This lead single from Voltage became an anthem on Australian alternative radio and a staple of their live set.

Run It Down — Featured in several major sporting event broadcasts, this track significantly expanded the band's audience.

Neon Signs — A fan-favorite deep cut known for its extended, frenetic guitar solos during concerts.

Hard Wire — This song from their second album showcased a more refined production style while maintaining their signature grit.

The success of Voltage enabled extensive international touring, including supports for larger acts across Europe and North America. Their 2018 follow-up, Current, debuted even higher on the charts and spawned several successful singles. Sticks has collaborated with producers like Burke Reid and shared stages with iconic acts, further cementing their reputation for powerful, no-frills rock and roll.

Fans of Sticks' driving rhythms and unpolished aesthetic also gravitate towards fellow Australian rock acts like Jet, who share a similar foundation in garage rock revival. The raw guitar work echoes the style of The Vines, another explosive band from the Australian alternative scene. Listeners appreciate the energetic, riff-based approach of DMA's, though their sound leans more towards Britpop. The gritty vocal delivery and punk-inflected energy can also be heard in the music of DZ Deathrays.

The music of Sticks is a regular feature on alternative rock radio stations and dedicated online rock streams that champion guitar-driven music. Their tracks are programmed alongside both contemporary rock hits and classic anthems, finding a home on stations that value authenticity and high-voltage performance.

Listeners can discover the powerful garage rock of Sticks on radio stations featured across our network. Tune in to stations available on onairium.com to hear their essential tracks and experience the energy that defines their catalog.