Rock and roll music is undoubtedly one of the biggest musical genres that the 20th century gave us. From the barebones basics of Bill Haley & His Comets, to the distorted fuzz-fest that was grunge bands like Nirvana and Sonic Youth, the genre gave birth to some of the most iconic names in the world of music.

However, recent decades have seen the genre on somewhat of a decline. Sure, you can still find a decent rock and roll band with ease, but the popularity of other genres means that the cutting edge influence that these groups once had is somewhat diluted now.

With Sydney rockers Halfwait about to head out on a national tour, we’ve decided to take a look at some of the most important noisy guitar bands going around the country, doing their best to make sure that the genre is alive and well thanks to their hard work and dedication.

Halfwait

Having formed back in 2010, Sydney’s Halfwait have been doing their best to bring back the spirit of ’90s grunge with massive choruses, unrelenting riffs, and distorted guitars that bring back memories of some of the best alt-rock bands ever, including Silverchair and Bush, just to name a few.

With their debut album, The Official, being released today, Halfwait are set to go kick off a national tour this weekend which will see them bringing back sweaty mosh pits and huge singalongs to the Aussie venues that have been missing this sort of rowdy behaviour for a long time.

Camp Cope

Camp Cope have been spending the last few years making their voices heard as they speak out on a number of issues, whether it be about gender equality, sexual assault, or sexism. Using their music as the platform with which their message is delivered, there is a reason that Camp Cope have been named one of the most important bands on the Aussie music scene today.

Violent Soho

Violent Soho have almost been kicking around for 15 years, but it’s only been in the last several years that the group have begun to gain the mainstream recognition they deserve. With grungy guitars, primal vocals, and a work ethic that can’t be beat, Violent Soho are proving there’s still room at the top of the charts for a noisy Brisbane rock band from time to time.

King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard

The entire world has fallen in love with King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard over the last few years. It’s hard to say whether its because of their prolific nature (five albums in one year is pretty wild), their dedication to their craft, their endless touring, or the fact that they’re just a group of musicians having fun on the world stage. Either way, experimental psychedelic music has never been so popular on this scale in a long time, and it’s thanks to this hugely talented group of mates.

SCABZ

Despite proclaiming themselves as “the shittest band in Newtown”, SCABZ have been gaining an increasing following over the last couple of years, as their brilliantly unique sound makes its way into the ears of countless eager fans. Not wanting to fit into anyone’s boxes, SCABZ have been doing their own thing for a while now, proving that rock music is still all about going out and having fun, and making some ripper tunes while you’re at it.

West Thebarton

Five years ago, you might not have heard of the hard-rockin’ majesty of West Thebarton unless you were deep into the Adelaide music scene. Now, the group are on track to becoming Aussie rock royalty, with this sprawling collective delivering some of the most powerful, soulful pub-rock that you’ll hear anywhere. With lyrics that touch upon everyday life, from sharehouse living to turning up late to work, you won’t find a more relatable group of musos than West Thebarton.

RACKETT

They might only have been around for a couple of years, but NSW rockers RACKETT have fast become one of the favourite bands of Aussie music-fans, thanks in part to winning the Rockin The Puburbs’ band competition last year. Delivering huge riffs, powerful choruses, and some of the best singalongs out there, RACKETT also deliver a stunning live show which often has to be seen to be believed, pushing the boundaries in the Aussie music scene, and serving as one huge breath of fresh air.

WAAX

WAAX have been spending the last few years giving new meaning to ‘dedication’ in the Aussie music scene. Touring relentlessly while delivering blistering tune after tune, WAAX make it look easy while working tirelessly to bring their stunning live shows and brilliant songs to their legions of dedicated fans. With tunes like ‘Labrador’ doing the rounds on the airwaves, WAAX are proving that there’s still plenty of life left in the rock genre yet.

Bad//Dreems

Adelaide’s Bad//Dreems have been playing sold-out shows around the country for a number of years now, delivering a stunning sound rooted in the pub-rock basics that they took their influence from. With two albums under their belt and another one in the works, Bad//Dreems are doing their best to keep on giving dedicated punters a sweaty mosh pit in which they can let loose and enjoy some good old-fashioned unpolished rock and roll with a bit of guts.

Tired Lion

Ever since Perth’s Tired Lion burst onto the scene a few years back, they’ve been going from strength to strength, earning rave reviews for their brilliant live shows and the powerful voice of enigmatic frontwoman Sophie Hopes. Following the release of their debut album, Dumb Days, last year, the group have been playing shows all over showcasing their unique sound and high-energy performances with every chance they get.

Dune Rats

Dune Rats have managed to become one of Australia’s most loveable group of rockers in the last few years, with their casual, carefree approach to music winning them all sort of acclaim. With a live show that can only be described as good, sweaty fun, and some tunes that are catchier than a cold in winter, Dune Rats have been bringing the goods for a while now, and Aussie music fans have been loving it.

Halfwait’s ‘The Official’ Tour

The article was originally published on Tone Deaf