Torquay’s very own indie-rock risers Savage Honey have officially announced the upcoming release of their highly anticipated debut studio album, Darling, slated to drop on 8 June 2026. Born out of Victoria's vibrant Surf Coast, the four-piece are gearing up to deliver a sonic snapshot of early adulthood that flawlessly bridges old-school rock swagger with the sun-drenched textures of the modern Australian indie scene.
Comprising Dominic Paver, Jacob Hunniford, Joshua Young, and Jay Rose-ham, the band possess a knack for timeless songwriting. By channelling the stadium-sized energy of Oasis, the gritty charm of Kings of Leon, and the classic rock foundations of Fleetwood Mac and Led Zeppelin, they have carved out a unique space for themselves. It is a nostalgic yet remarkably fresh sound that will instantly resonate with fans of Spacey Jane, Pacific Avenue, and The Terrys.
‘Darling’ functions as a raw coming-of-age record, navigating the chaotic emotional landscape of youth. Reflecting on the writing process, the band share:
"’Darling’ is the first album Savage Honey is releasing. It's a series of songs written during the first year as a band with the founding members, and due to that fact, it is a reflection of what our lives were like at the time. There are Songs written about love between Dom and Sav as they were together at the time, through to songs that touch on family members' struggles with cancer. There are ballads about heartbreak and bangers that get the crowd dancing. It’s a comment on the wild ups and downs in life and the album takes you on a journey that is unique to our sound. We recorded the album between two beautiful locations.”
“At first we rented a gorgeous loft in the Otway National Park where we spent a week with our producer recording the bed tracks for each song. We would wake up in the morning and go swimming at the nearest waterfall before locking in and playing music every day. In the evenings we would eat dinner together and enjoy some beers and card games by the fire. We also would travel from our homes in Jan Juc up to Sing Sing studios in Northcote to finish the process of recording with Aaron. We felt inspired by our personal lives, relationships, other musicians, nature and the joy of music itself."
Helmed by producer Aaron Dobos, the album also features stellar musical contributions from Savannah Higgs, Alex Mathieson, and Sunny Thapa. The studio magic perfectly mirrors the band's formidable live reputation. Having already graced major festival stages at Party In The Paddock, Beyond The Valley, and Here Comes The Sun, alongside packed headline slots at the iconic Torquay Hotel, Savage Honey are quickly becoming a household name.
Equal parts vulnerable and euphoric, ‘Darling’ is a defining statement from a band on a meteoric rise. Make sure to keep an eye out for the album on your favourite streaming platforms and follow Savage Honey on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to catch their upcoming tour dates.
