Watch Yourself (You're Gonna Hurt Somebody)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious track "Watch Yourself (You're Gonna Hurt Somebody)" by The Southern River Band, a single that’s got the Zoo Freaks buzzing with its strutting guitar riffs and classic Aussie rock swagger. Released in 2022, this song is a high-energy anthem recorded at RADA Studios in Perth, mixed by Dan Carroll and mastered by Grammy Award-winning engineer William Bowden. According to The Rockpit, the band built the track around a core guitar riff, complemented by driving drums and melodic top notes, creating a sound that oozes their signature West Coast vibe. Frontman Cal Kramer shared his excitement about performing it live, saying, “Can’t wait to get back out on the road and see everyone again, if The Darkness tour is anything to go by, it’s gonna be a REAL good time! The energy our fans bring is second to none, and we’re gonna give it right back to ya!” The song’s live version, recorded at the Charles Hotel in 2024, captures the band’s electrifying stage presence, a hallmark of their reputation as one of Australia’s best live acts.

The music video for "Watch Yourself (You're Gonna Hurt Somebody)," shot in Perth and released on YouTube in November 2022, showcases the band’s raw energy and playful charisma. The track’s dynamic shifts, described by Hi Fi Way as “pulling and squeezing like the changing of sand dunes over the course of a summer,” make it a perfect fit for the Zoo Freaks’ love of bold, vibrant rock. The band’s influences, ranging from Queen and AC/DC to Skyhooks and DZ Deathrays, shine through in the song’s guitar-fueled madness. A fun tidbit from their Facebook page reveals that the band encouraged fans to grab merch and join their newsletter to stay updated on tour dates, hinting at the song’s role in their sold-out national tour following its release. The track’s chords, shared on ChordU, are in the key of Bb, making it a favorite for aspiring guitarists among the Zoo Freaks to jam along.

The Southern River Band hails from Thornlie, a suburb of Perth, Western Australia, where they formed in 2013. The four-piece outfit—Cal Kramer, Dr. Dobbin’ Donny Carter, Pat Smith, and Todd Pickett—started as a group of mates channeling their love for rock ‘n’ roll into a sound that blends classic and modern influences. Their early days were spent gigging relentlessly, building a devout following through their high-octane live shows. By 2015, they were carving out a name for themselves, playing local venues and drawing crowds with their howling vocals and face-melting guitar solos. Their breakthrough came with performances at major festivals like Groovin the Moo and Splendour XR, and sharing stages with icons like Cold Chisel and Wolfmother. Their 2019 album Rumour & Innuendo, featuring the single “Chimney,” marked a turning point, earning rave reviews and global reach, as noted on triple j Unearthed. The band’s DIY ethos, with Kramer handling much of their publicity and social media, reflects their grassroots spirit, as highlighted in a Louder interview where he recounted playing a sheep-shearing shed for a birthday party.

The band’s journey has been fueled by their connection with fans, who they affectionately engage with on social media. You can follow their updates on Facebook, where they have over 16,000 likes, Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses, and X for tour announcements and banter. Their official website, thesouthernriverband.com, is the hub for merch, tour dates, and their newsletter. While dedicated fan websites are scarce, the band’s Facebook page serves as a lively community where fans share concert photos and discuss setlists. For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, setlist.fm offers fan-contributed setlists from the band’s shows, including performances of "Watch Yourself." The Southern River Band’s rise from Thornlie to stages across Australia and beyond, including their upcoming UK tour and Download 2025 slot, proves they’re a force in modern rock, delivering the kind of music that keeps the Zoo Crew and their listeners coming back for more.