They are The Gnomes, they’re from Frankston and they’re bringing their hi-octane rage to the Riverboats stage in February.
A shift towards country breezes which might sound like a gear change, specifically, a change down.
But according to bassist Olly Katsianis, The Gnomes are ready to bring the same raw energy to the banks of the Murray for their debut appearance at the Echuca’s Riverboats Music Festival.
“It doesn't really matter where we are, we'll bring the intensity and the energy anyway,” he said.
“As soon as we pick up our instruments, it's like Jay our lead singer says, ‘we’re like clocking into work.’
“Just because we're out and feeling a bit of the country breeze on our face doesn't mean it'll stop us from going hard.
“If anything, it'll help us go a bit harder as we've got a bit of natural aircon flowing,” he laughed.
The four-piece band has been turning heads with a sound which effortlessly bridges the gap between classic ’60s beat music, garage rock, and power pop.
And while critics have drawn parallels to legends such as Oasis — noting a distinct injection of unguarded joy — Katsianis points to a broader church of influences.
“There's so much inspiration,” Katsianis explains.
“Each member brings their own inspiration to the band... as much Oasis as there is in there, we all love the Beatles and the classic ’60’s stuff.
“It's funny some people pick up certain ones, but we'll take it because they're all great bands.”
The Gnomes are fresh off an extensive national tour supporting Spiderbait, and Katsianis said they came away with far more than just mileage.
“They put us on every bill, which was really exciting," Katsianis said of touring with Kram, Janet, and Whitt.
“By the end of it, they were just sort of really like an uncles and aunties for us.”
And even after rubbing shoulders with Australian rock royalty on the road, Katsianis is still just a music fan at heart.
“It's such a good lineup,” he said.
“I’m really excited to meet and watch Cat Empire play.”
Away from the main stage, Katsianis is already plotting how to catch a paddlesteamer performance along the Murray — provided he can get lead singer Jay on board.
Jay’s track record with water travel includes walking the long way around Sydney Harbour to avoid a ferry ride, but Katsianis is keen to take the plunge.
“I reckon we'll love it,” he said.
“I'd be wanting to embrace as much of it as I can.”
As for the festival's notorious local wildlife ― including the odd feathered intruder known to crash a set or two ― Katsianis was completely unfazed.
“I might actually have to wear a hat with like a bird feeder on it, so birds can come sit on me while we play,” he laughed.
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