The Butlers: Garage Rock Revived
The Butlers are a dynamic garage rock band hailing from Melbourne, Australia. The group achieved mainstream success with their 2017 debut album, which charted in the top 20 nationally and was certified gold within six months of its release.
Early career
The Butlers formed in 2013, initially playing raucous covers in the city's vibrant pub circuit. Their self-released 2015 EP, B-Side Manners, caught the attention of local independent label Dusty Records, which signed the band later that year.
Breakthrough
The band's breakthrough arrived in 2017 with their debut LP, Hotel Radio. Released through Dusty Records with distribution by a major, the album's lead single received heavy rotation on alternative radio, propelling the record to number 18 on the ARIA Albums Chart.
Key tracks
Hotel Radio — This title track became the band's first top 40 single and defined their signature blend of fuzzy guitars and melodic hooks.
Midnight Choir — A fan favorite and live staple, its music video surpassed one million views on YouTube within a month.
Borrowed Suit — The song's inclusion in a popular streaming service playlist significantly expanded their international audience.
Neon Sign — This track from their second album showcased a more polished production style while retaining their core garage rock energy.
The band's 2020 follow-up, Neon Sign, debuted at number 12, demonstrating their staying power. They have since collaborated with artists like producer Burke Reid and contributed a track to a compilation for iconic Australian label Modular Recordings. The Butlers continue to tour extensively, building a reputation for explosive live performances across Europe and North America.
Fans of The Butlers' raw, guitar-driven sound often appreciate the work of similar Australian acts. Discover DMA's for their anthemic take on indie rock. The gritty energy of The Chats captures a similar punk spirit. The jangly guitar work of Skegss also aligns with the garage rock revival. For a darker, more psychedelic edge, explore Pond and their prolific catalog.
The music of The Butlers is a staple on many classic rock FM stations and modern alternative rock radio stations that celebrate guitar music. Their tracks are frequently featured on online rock radio streams and independent music radio stations seeking energetic, guitar-driven content.
Listeners can discover the driving garage rock of The Butlers through the radio stations featured on onairium.com. Tune in to hear their catalog, from early hits to recent releases, across a curated selection of stations dedicated to guitar music.
