Australian alt-rock band Sly Withers are gearing up for a breakthrough moment with their latest single, Restless. Released on 17th April, the track marks a key step in the band’s evolution, blending raw emotion with refined sound, and sets the stage for their highly anticipated UK tour, which kicks off this May.
The band—Jono Mata (guitar/vocals), Sam Blitvich (guitar/vocals), Shea Moriarty (bass), and Fraser Cringle (drums)—have long been known for their emotive and fiercely honest songwriting, which has earned them a dedicated following in their native Australia. With over 20 million Spotify streams, two ARIA Top 10 albums, and multiple entries in triple j’s Hottest 100, they’ve earned their place at the forefront of the Australian alt-rock scene. But Restless signals something new—an expansive sound that reflects the internal conflict and self-doubt that many of us grapple with.
“Restless is about feeling stuck in a cycle of not being the person you want to be, whether that’s in relationships, in life, or just in your own headspace,” says Mata. “It’s that tension between wanting to change but not quite being able to get yourself there.”
The track has already been lauded by critics, with NME AUS calling it “stage-ready belters, lacquered in crunchy hooks and catchy choruses” and Triple J describing it as “cathartic, introspective, and exciting punk rock.” Australian Guitar Magazine calls it a “bold, widescreen punk epic,” and it’s easy to see why—it’s a track that combines the energy of classic emo-punk with a more polished, expansive feel.
As Sly Withers prepare to bring Restless to the UK, their London show promises to be a standout moment of the tour. On 9th May, the band will take the stage at The Victoria in Dalston—a venue that has long been a hotspot for up-and-coming alt-rock acts. With their high-energy live shows and a reputation for connecting with audiences on an emotional level, Sly Withers are set to bring their raw intensity to the capital.
London fans will be treated to the power of Restless in a live setting, but they’ll also get a glimpse of what’s to come from the band’s next album. Sly Withers have always been a band unafraid to tackle the messiness of life, whether that’s through their introspective lyrics or their charged, intense performances. If their previous Australian shows are any indication, their London show will be an emotional rollercoaster, driven by fierce punk-rock anthems and the kind of vulnerability that has earned the band their loyal fanbase.
Catch Sly Withers at The Victoria in Dalston on 9th May, and don’t miss your chance to see one of Australia’s most exciting alt-rock bands as they make their mark on the UK scene.
- Miriam Quinn
