Introduction by Rebecca Callander
Over the last few years, the reggae-rock band from the Northern Beaches have taken the Australian music scene by song. Ocean Alley have become renowned for their smooth genre-blending style, with a catalogue of groovy tracks to get anyone in the mood to dance.
However, with Ocean Alley now moving onto bigger and better things, now is the time to check out five artists who are following in their footsteps.
Vanilla Gorilla (words by Nick Wasiliev)
Comprised of six dudes from the mid-north coast of New South Wales, Vanilla Gorilla is a band born out of a love for surf rock and reggae rock, a blend the band have called ‘salt water infused bush rock and roll.’ Recognised by triple j unearthed in 2018 and winning the Festival of the Sun music competition, Vanilla Gorilla have shown they’ve got bite to their bark, with three killer E.Ps, 'Lucid', 'Colour Flow' and 'Wild Vibrations,' and a warping style going from old school rock and roll to more psychedelic leanings.
Good Starting Tracks: ‘Tropicana’, ‘Trippy’, ‘The New Road’, ‘Rainbow Girl’
The Sea Gypsies (words by Nick Wasiliev)
Based on the Central Coast of New South Wales, The Sea Gypsies lean towards the more alternative rock style, however infuse it with a nostalgic feeling that fans of Bernard Fanning will enjoy. While some might view that as being pastiche, all worries disappear the moment you listen to their music: these guys pen fantastic tunes, full of life, personality and a real sense of place. No better example of that is their debut record ‘Movements,’ and with new material on the way, this is a band you will want to look out for.
Good Starting Tracks: ‘Stronger’, ‘Mexico’, ‘Lost and Found’, ‘Freeway’
Click here for their Spotify playlist.
Shag Rock (words by Nick Wasiliev)
A surf-pop outfit from the sunshine state, Shag Rock are the closest on our list to breaking to a mainstream audience. A must for those who love a lighter, poppier surf style, the four-piece have already created ripples across the music scene, touring with the likes of The Rubens and Tia Gostelow, in addition to performing successful tours of their own not only in Australia, but also across the ditch and in the US. No matter where they perform, they make you feel like you’re barefoot on a beach in Queensland, enjoying a chill night with good tunes.
Good Starting Tracks: ‘Sunbleached Girl’, ‘Somewhere in the Middle’, ‘Champagne’, ‘Fuzzy Connection’
Click here for their Spotify playlist.
Venice Queens (words by Nick Wasiliev)
A trailblazing outfit from South Australia, Venice Queens have toured with the likes of Kingswood, Lime Cordiale and The Creases. A bit more back to basics in their approach, the five-piece take inspiration from bands like Cage the Elephant, Jet and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and aim to ‘restore rock and roll culture, without all the bullshit.’ This is a band that comes into their own with groovy, punchy tracks and an energetic live show, and with future material already being teased, now is the perfect time to hop on the gondola with this band.
Good Starting Tracks: ‘Tijuana’, ‘Eddie’s Castle’, ‘Forget Your Mind’, ‘The Strut’
Click here for their Spotify playlist.
Drop Legs (words by Nick Wasiliev)
Originally from beautiful Byron Bay, five-piece Drop Legs are unique on our list in that they approach their music with a dub-drenched, hip hop style groove to their music. Don’t let them fool you though, the band rock a surf-reggae style so smooth you won’t know what hit you, and bring a cheeky sense of humour to match it! Receiving a shoutout from producer Tones And I, the group have recently started to showcase a more ambitious sound, and have been wowing audiences along the east coast of Australia and in New Zealand.
Good Starting Tracks: ‘Windows Down’, ‘750 MI to Paradise’, ‘Criminal’, ‘Now I’m Ready’