PREMIERE: Smacked Youth Tear It Up with Driving Anthem 'White Line Fever'
Regardless of the naysayers in mainstream world, the current state of hard rock in Australia is thriving and we're seen an influx of exceptional talent come through our doors from time to time. One of those great acts is none other than Smacked Youth, who have been tearing up stages across Australia and the international scene with their unique blend of alt-punk - paving their own path in the wake of bands like Dune Rats, Violent Soho, Grinspoon and The Living End before them.
Made up of guitarist/vocalist Sam D’Agostino, drummer Jake Ellis and newly appointed full-time bassist and backup vocalist Sean Doyle, the boys are back in town with their latest offering 'White Line Fever' - a balls-to-the-wall driving anthem (or so they say) which will have you slamming your foot on the accelerator or smashing into the tallest bloke in the mosh beside you. With plenty of screams and chuggy riffage, you'll be taken to pound town in no time with this ferocious single - complete with artwork with it's own history behind the conception (more on that soon).
Hellbent on having their new tune heard - and ahead of the copious shows and plans they have this year - we sat down with the lads to dissect their latest offering, to chat about their inclusion on the Thrashville 2025 lineup and to find out what's next for the threesome.
Welcome back to WoS Smacked Youth! Give us a rundown of what's been going on since the release of 'Rut'?
Sam: Well we’ve had a pretty exciting and eventful 2025 so far in camp Smacked. We roared into the year with some epic shows opening for the likes of Dune Rats and Rose Tattoo. Jake luckily overcame a carpel tunnel diagnosis, I fell over whilst invited on stage with Dune Rats, and of course we welcomed the bass titan that is Sean Doyle as a full time member which we’re so stoked to have him on board!
You're back with 'White Line Fever', another play on words for Nose Beers - give us a rundown of the inspiration behind this one!
Sam: Ahh yes, “The Nose Beer Anthem” as we affectionately call it. Funny enough, 'White Line Fever' is not what you think it’s about. The song came to be whilst we were opening The Screaming Jets on tour.
I was describing to the crowd about how we’d been on the road for a few weeks and we’d devolved a bit of “White Line Fever” from staring at the white lines on the road while driving for hours on end. The crowd chuckled when I said this and I didn’t realise why until after we finished the set.
A crowd member informed me that the crowd had chuckled because they thought I was referring to another kind of 'White Line Fever' if you catch my drift.
We thought we’d put it all into a song about being a ratbag on tour combined with heavy ass riffs!
Nothing like a little double entendre to keep us on our toes! The cover art was done by Ben Brown - who famously worked on previous artwork with the likes of Nirvana, Silverchair, Pearl Jam, DZ Deathrays and Frenzal Rhomb. Why was it important for you guys to get Ben to create the art/vision for this single??
Sean: We were thrilled when we found out that Ben was keen to do the cover artwork for the track! I think just the fact of having such a legendary Australian artist who’s worked with such a high calibre of Australian and international artists was something that we thought was such a special opportunity. We were so stoked with how it turned out and would love to work together again!
It's a sick design. Can we expect to see it on some of your merch this year?
Jake: You sure can! We’ll be doing some exclusive 'White Line Fever' merch which will be available very soon!
You've won over crowds playing with the likes of The Screaming Jets, Dune Rats and Strung Out - who's next on your 'must play with' list?
All: That’s a great question! Here’s just a few😉 The Living End, Grinspoon, Frenzal Rhomb, Jet, QOTSA, Foo Fighters, AC/DC!
You were also named on the Thrashville Festival lineup for 2025 - how'd it feel to see your name amongst that list of who's who from the heavy scene?
Jake: Was honestly a pretty amazing feeling as we’re big fans of heavy hitting artists on the bill such as Private Function and King Parrot! Very grateful to be a part of a fantastic Australian festival! Especially in today’s difficult climate where we’re seeing less and less festivals. Good on ya Thrashville!
With a string of singles out, surely that means we're not far off from a feature length release or EP right?
Sam: Fuck it, we’ll just surprise you with a full length Smacked Youth record one day! It’d be an absolute dream to fly over to LA and work with Nick Launay (Silverchair, Nick Cave, Amyl & The Sniffers, IDLES). Someone help us out with a grant or record deal and we’re there! Absolutely love Nick’s work!
Fun One: On the subject of your name, tell us if you'd Smack or Accept the behaviours of your youthful teenager if they:
- Broke your favourite vinyl record
- Took your car for a joyride to Maccas with their mates
- Ripped a bong in front of their grandparents
- Dropped in a 10ft half-pipe naked
1 Sean - (Accept), 2 Sam - (Smack), 3 Jake - (Accept), 4 All - (Accept), we’d love to play a show naked in a 10 foot half pipe!
Anything else on the horizon we should keep an eye out for from the band?
Sean: Just always keep your eyes peeled with us, we’re full of surprises! You can expect to see us in a city near you as we’re currently planning some extensive national touring. And of course a cheeky music video that will follow the release after a few weeks!
Eagerly anticipating that video. Any final thoughts?
All: Stoked to be back at WOS chatting to you again Browny! We love and thank you for supporting us with this premiere for 'White Line Fever'. We wish you many nose beers and good times legend!
Thanks lads, got any gum?!
Interview by Paul 'Browny' Brown @brownypaul
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Pre-save 'White Line Fever' here and give it a spin below.
