The Streets Don't Lie

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the infectious track "The Streets Don't Lie" by The Southern River Band for their devoted Zoo Freaks. This song, a riff-heavy, diesel-soaked anthem, dives into the fates of old schoolmates who were, as the band puts it, "disciplinarily challenged." According to a feature on The Rockpit, the track reflects on how life unfolds for those rebellious characters, with names omitted to "protect the guilty." Its strutting guitar riffs and swagger-filled vocals capture the band's signature pub-rock energy, making it a perfect fit for the Zoo Freaks' wild vibes.

One juicy tidbit about "The Streets Don't Lie" comes from a guest playlist curated by frontman Cal Kramer for The AU Review. Kramer shared that the song draws inspiration from the raw intensity of Cold Chisel's 1980 live performance at The Manly Vale Hotel. The band channels that gritty, no-nonsense rock spirit, blending it with their own 80s hair metal and modern pub-rock flair. Mixed by Dan Carroll, known for working with Spacey Jane, and mastered by William Bowden, who’s collaborated with Gotye, the single boasts a polished yet rebellious sound. The accompanying music video, released on YouTube in April 2023, brings the streets of Thornlie, Western Australia, to life, amplifying the song’s narrative with visuals as bold as the track itself.

The Southern River Band hails from Thornlie, a suburb of Perth, Western Australia, where they formed in 2013 as a four-piece rock outfit. According to their bio on Genius, the band built their reputation through relentless gigging, transforming every stage into a "Rock ‘n’ Roll Dance Party." Their early years were marked by a DIY ethos, playing anywhere with a stage and a PA system. By 2019, they’d released their sophomore album, Rumour & Innuendo, which earned rave reviews, with singles like "Chimney" reaching a global audience. Their big break came in 2020 when they opened for Cold Chisel before 16,000 fans, cementing their status as one of Australia’s fiercest live acts. With a 2022 W.A.M. Rock Band of the Year award under their belt, they’ve shared stages with icons like The Darkness and Wolfmother, proving their staying power.

Fans can catch up with The Southern River Band across their official channels. Their website, thesouthernriverband.com, is the hub for tour dates, merch, and music. On Facebook, they share tour updates and cheeky banter, while their Instagram is packed with behind-the-scenes shots and live performance clips. Over on X, they engage with fans through quick-witted posts and tour announcements. For Zoo Freaks looking to connect with fellow fans, the The Southern River Band Fans Facebook group is a lively spot to swap stories, share gig photos, and celebrate the band’s electrifying energy.