Your Guide To The 2016 SAM Awards Rock Nominees

1 August 2016 | 8:36 am | Staff Writer

Babes Are Wolves

Still fairly new to the scene, Adelaide band Babes Are Wolves made their mark early on with their debut demo packing a solid punch. Having supported a number of national acts over the past two years, the grunge, dark pop gang are sure to do big things in the years to come.

Bad//Dreems

After meeting at their local football club in 2012, putting out an EP a year later and then releasing their debut album, Dogs At Bay, to wide success, the Bad//Dreems boys are doing damn good things. Having been described as "pure Australian dad rock", they're certainly taking the Australian rock scene by the horns.

Cabin Cults

Having shared the stage with some big names over the past year, Cabin Cults are one band to keep an eye on. Their distinct sound features driving synths and crashing guitars that leaves them hanging somewhere between postpunk and grunge. Since releasing their debut EP, Riot Is The Watchword, they've only become more determined.

Colibrium

Straight from the suburbs, this five-piece melodic rock group came out with all guns blazing. Having spent the last three years ensuring their product is second to none both professionally and creatively, their self-titled debut album has something for every listener and mood.

Ghyti

The four-piece avant-rock band are becoming known for their distinct post-punk and Britpop inspired sound. Pairing high energy shows with relatable lyrics, guitar riffs and driving rhythms perfect for dancing, makes Ghyti a stand out in the Adelaide music scene since the release of their first EP in 2013.

God God Dammit Dammit

Being in a 10-piece band is sure to come with some challenges, but the boys of God God Dammit Dammit seem to be having fun. Their full-length album, Soul Dice, continues their style of relentless funk, soul and progressive rock.

Jesse Davidson

Adelaide darling Jesse Davidson has seen more success on a national scale than many local artists could even dream of. A collab with triple j Unearthed High winner Japanese Wallpaper and some killer singles such as Laika later, Davidson has established himself as a top-notch performer and songster in his own right.

Jimmy Marin

Having just released his music video for Along The Way in June, Jimmy Marin has been bringing his soulful voice and smooth music across SA. His debut album, Something True, has been heralded as "a beautifully crafted body of work" and showcases Marin's own acoustic soul.

Mad Cactus

They’ve only been kicking around for a couple of years, but grunge-rock trio Mad Cactus has established themselves as a solid jam band since their garage inception back in 2014. They’re tracking their debut EP at the moment, and from online teasers, all signs point towards a massive sound.

Max Savage

Max Savage's stadium rock represents everything great about Australiana music. Having had his music featured on award-winning advertisements representing Adelaide, writing new music and playing shows across the nation, Savage's sound is infecting the local scene.

Mike Tilbrook

Mike Tilbrook's self-described 'acid soul' indie roots sound has been represented in his EP Blue Solace. Having grown up in the Clare Valley, the picturesque scenes surrounding Tilbrook have influenced the profound and soulful energy of his music.

Ollie English

The power of Ollie English's skills to transport you to another world can be seen in the raw dynamics and smooth soul of his EP Cabin Thoughts. English has played a sizable amount of shows already throughout 2016, with no signs of slowing down any time soon.

Recreator

Harnessing classic grunge and modern rock elements, Recreator’s debut self-titled album channels their chaotic yet organised live show into a work of art. They’re never far from a stage and always getting tighter.

Riddle & The Stars

A collaboration between Australian singer/songwriter Ben Riddle and Americana duo The Fallen Stars, Riddle & The Stars brings the best of two worlds. Their album, New Coastline, received critical acclaim for its strong vocals and diverse sound.

Sparkspitter

Sparkspitter have been working to establish a completely unique sound of their own since early 2011. They've landed themselves in some sort of hybrid between math-pop, krautrock and art-rock.

Submerge

Rock driven by heavy emotion, Submerge capture the true essence of alternative rock, their latest single We Come From The Stars a prime example of that raw energy. After a few line-up changes, they’re knuckled down to work on a new album.

Summer Flake

Prolific singer-songwriter Summer Flake, aka Stephanie Crase, doesn’t slow down for a second. He’s relocated to Melbourne, but his latest record Hello Friends has Adelaide written all over it.

Surviving Sharks

Alt-rock maestros Surviving Sharks have been a little reclusive as of late, surfacing on the odd occasion for headline shows and awesome support slots. When they do hit the stage, it’s worth the wait; with powerful vocals driving a catchy rhythm.

The Aves

Their latest LP Good News says it all, with infectious hooks and relentless energy. The Juan Bianco clip was nominated for Best Music Video at this year’s South Australian Screen Awards too, so it’s shaping up to be a great 2016 for The Aves.

The Byzantines

Their new single She Moves will no doubt get the room pumping. The Byzantines have toured the globe in celebration of Brit-pop, all from a bond that stems from football (the English variety – don’t get that wrong).

The Dunes

The Dunes have an impressive amount of work under their belt, including their latest album, Mountain. Having played a sprinkling of shows over Adelaide this Winter, The Dunes have well and truly made their mark on the live music scene.

The Serra

Indie pop-rock gems The Serra pertain an interesting dynamic, slicing vivacious vocals over quaint indie rock. They’ve honed their live show in recent months with headline tours around the country.

Wireheads

The third LP from partystarters Wireheads recently dropped and sees them build on the sounds of last year’s Big Issues effort, exploring new avenues with help from pals around the country. Arrive Alive is a solid release from the ever-evolving act.