Newtown High School Band Win Triple J Unearthed

Lunatics On Pogosticks, a three piece garage rock band from Newtown High in Sydney's inner west, have won triple j's Unearthed High competition.

After the 900 entries from around the country were whittled down to six by representatives from triple j and triple j Unearthed, Lunatics On Pogosticks were adjudged to be the pick of this year's crop.

Made up of singer and left-handed guitarist Calum Newton, bassist Bryce Wilson and drummer James Whitfield, the track Picasso's Saddest Love was the stand-out.

The trio will now head into the radio station's studios to record a new track, which will receive airtime on triple j and triple j Unearthed, and they'll perform alongside San Cisco in a lunchtime gig at their school later this month.

Unearthed Music Director Dave Ruby Howe said, “Amid all that fierce competition there was no denying that in Lunatics On Pogosticks we'd discovered a band whose songs not only leapt out of the radio but also burrowed into ears and remained glued there with acid-washed riffs and blown out vocals.

“Beneath that undulating fuzz though is a knack for hooky melodies and clever changes that belies Lunatics On Pogosticks' garage beginnings. If their whip-lashing blast of noise and energy doesn't put you on your back then the raw talent and promise of incredible things ahead ought to leave you rightly floored, just like it has us here at triple j and triple j Unearthed.”