Chaingang are an explosive four piece punk-rock-pop band from Sydney, New South Wales, currently preparing to take off to LA in order to record their EP with none other than Snob Scrilla. Though the band is presently unsigned they seem more than ready to unleash their fury on the mainstream music scene, and when they do, you can bet they won’t be shy about it.

Danny Duque-Perez and Mike Jefferey, the band’s guitarist and bass player respectively, are two incredibly talented musicians, Skarlett Saramore is effortlessly outstanding on the drums and Hayley Foster is the leading lady providing the very sassy yet gripping vocals. In an interview with Triple J Unearthed, Foster described the dynamics of the band; ‘The secret? Putting a metal drummer, blues guitarist, hardcore bassist and a pop singer in a room together.’ A very intriguing, slightly chaotic depiction, yes, but a truly mind blowing combination in all the right ways.

Chaingang’s sound can be compared to that of The Gossip, as well as Siouxsie and the Banshees, a 70s British punk-rock band renown for their experimentation with gothic rock. Every track erupts with energy and promises to pull you into frenzy.  

‘Get Off My Stage’ demands euphoria from the start; Saramore is exceptional with her stunning control of the drums, single-handedly powering every beat through you while showing absolutely no remorse in doing so. Subsequently, the sound of Foster’s beautiful pop voice taking on edgy rock, and nailing it, will be echoing in your head hours after the song ends.

The fresh, formidable new band has already played gigs around Sydney and Melbourne, with Saramore also playing at Fashion Week in April and Foster appearing in Snob Scrilla’s ‘Houston’ video. For an unsigned band, Chaingang have certainly achieved a lot. Consider then, that they have also played with Panic At The Disco, Jose Gonzalez, Headless Chickens, The Streets and Mercy Arms, and you begin to wonder what it is that’s prolonging their assault on our record charts. Whatever it is, it won’t last long.

Foster sings ‘you can’t ignore me’ in ‘Cut Here’, a statement which is ringing truer by the day. The only negative aspect thus far is that Chaingang’s MySpace page only hosts four songs, leaving us in abrupt suspense. Even so, it is rare to find a band consisting of such diverse personalities that combine to produce, potentially, some of the most brilliant music to date. From the entrancing guitar riffs and the throbbing drum beats to every last forceful lyric, Chaingang command our attention, vowing to deliver. Amidst an ever aggressive music scene, expect the unexpected and take their advice; get off their stage.

~ Joanne O’Neill