Stan Qualen

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious rock anthem "Stan Qualen" by The Southern River Band, a track that’s got the Zoo Freaks buzzing with its high-energy riffs and unapologetic rock 'n' roll spirit. Released as a single on September 21, 2023, this six-minute banger has been described as a love letter to living life on your own terms, with lyrics like “Well these red lights / Are just slowing me down” capturing a rebellious drive to push past obstacles. According to frontman Cal Kramer in an interview with Rockmeeting, the band had been playing “Stan Qualen” live for years before recording it, noting that it’s “always very well received” and became their most celebrated release yet. Fans on social media, particularly on Reddit, have compared its sound to a glorious mash-up of AC/DC, Status Quo, and The Darkness, with one user calling it “the best blues rock song of 2023.” The music video, packed with flashing lights (complete with a seizure warning), has racked up millions of views, partly thanks to a shoutout from The Darkness’s Justin Hawkins, who sent droves of fans to check it out.

Another tidbit about “Stan Qualen” comes from its raw, live energy. The band decided to release it with a “what the hell, let’s do it” attitude, as Kramer shared with Rockmeeting, because it consistently lit up their live shows. The song’s lyrics, as analyzed on SonicHits, paint a picture of someone chasing adventure and shrugging off anything that gets in the way, with lines like “If you’re running with the devil / Then you’re running with me” evoking a wild, carefree vibe. Fans on The Southern River Band’s Facebook page have echoed this, with comments praising the track’s “in-your-face rifftastic classic sound” and its guitar solo, which one Northern Illinois fan called “world class” after discovering the band. The song’s success fueled a 2024 Australian tour, hyped by The Rockpit, cementing its place as a fan favorite that demands to be cranked up loud.

The Southern River Band, hailing from Thornlie, a suburb of Perth, Western Australia, started their journey in 2013 as a four-piece outfit determined to bring raw rock 'n' roll back to the forefront. According to their bio on SonicHits, the band—fronted by the charismatic Cal Kramer, with Dr. Dobbin’ Donny Carter, Pat Smith, and Todd Pickett—built their reputation on relentless live performances. By 2019, they were one of Australia’s standout live acts, touring tirelessly and releasing their second album, Rumour & Innuendo, which earned glowing reviews. Their early days were marked by a DIY ethos, playing anywhere they could to hone their sound, which blends hard rock, blues, and a touch of boogie. Their first album, Live at the Pleasure Dome (2016), captured their gritty, unpolished energy, setting the stage for their growing fanbase.

You can keep up with The Southern River Band on their official website, where they share tour dates, merch, and news. They’re also active on Facebook, with over 16,000 likes and posts about gigs and fan interactions, and on Instagram, where they share behind-the-scenes shots and video clips. On X, they engage with fans, often retweeting praise for “Stan Qualen” and tour updates. While there aren’t dedicated fan websites, the band has a strong community on platforms like Reddit’s RockTheSub, where Zoo Freaks and rock fans alike swap stories and hype the band’s music. The Facebook page also serves as a hub for fan discussions, with supporters sharing concert photos and calling for more U.S. tour dates.