Shepparton Airplane (Naarm/Melbourne) are known for their frenetic blend of jagged melody, pithy punk rock discourse and screaming feedback. The band was formed in the mid-2010s, initially making waves with their energetic and raw approach to punk rock music. Their debut album, Shepparton Airplane (2016), immediately captured the attention of Naarm/Melbourne local music lovers with its post-punk sensibilities. The album was characterized by catchy hooks, driving beats, and fuzzy guitars, with a strong immediacy that resonates through each track. The record announced the band’s arrival as a force in the local music scene, and it set the stage for their evolution.
In 2018, the band released Almurta, a follow-up that was recorded in a farm shed in regional Victoria. This album showcased a more expansive sound, combining abrasive riffs with a pounding rhythm section, resulting in a raw but colorful collection of songs. The production of Almurta captured a balance between intensity and warmth, with each track feeling both grounded and exploratory. It marked a moment of growth for Shepparton Airplane, as they continued to refine their sound while maintaining their signature energy. By the time they released Sharks in 2020, Shepparton Airplane had evolved further, incorporating noisier, punkier, and even shoegaze elements into their music. Working with producer Anna Laverty at Sing Sing Recording Studios, the band crafted a more polished and expansive sound, signaling their intent to push their musical boundaries while still retaining the fiery energy that defined their earlier work.
The band’s latest LP Forecast continues this trajectory of sonic exploration, replete with unpredictable twists and genre-spanning soundscapes. It signals a new chapter for Shepparton Airplane, one where their trademark frenetic energy meets a more expansive and experimental approach to songwriting. Despite these developments, the band retains the sharp, pithy punk rock and jagged melodies that have defined their sound since their early days.
With each release, Shepparton Airplane demonstrates a commitment to growth and reinvention, while never losing sight of the raw energy and authenticity that first drew audiences to their music. As they continue to push the boundaries of what punk rock can be, Shepparton Airplane remains one of Naarm/Melbourne’s most exciting and innovative bands.
The group join Ruari Currin on Fang It! for an exclusive Studio 5 Live performance. Be sure to tune in for this special set and interview with Ruari on Thursday August 21 from 5pm.
