Sydney’s hard rock circuit is about to get a serious jolt, with power trio Simple Stone preparing to drop their highly anticipated third studio album, ‘Nine’. Set for a global release on January 30th, this year, the record marks a pivotal chapter for the band, signalling a shift from local pub-rock favourites to a formidable force on the international stage.
Recorded at Sydney’s Studio Bleus under the guidance of engineer Dave Bleus, and produced through a close collaboration between Bleus and the band, ‘Nine’ is a polished yet visceral affair. The tracks were given a final sheen by the legendary Leon Zervos at Studios 301, ensuring the record carries enough punch to rattle stadium walls while maintaining the nuanced clarity required for home listening.
Thematically, the album is deeply rooted in the band’s 2024 tour of Japan. The title itself serves as a linguistic nod to the Japanese word for the number nine (kyū), which shares its phonetics with the word for suffering or pain. Rather than wallowing in darkness, however, Simple Stone have used this concept to explore humanity, endurance, and good dose of grit determination.
Discussing the philosophy behind the music, the band shared: “’Nine’ is about recognising pain and adversity without letting it define you. It acknowledges struggle, resilience, and the determination to push forward regardless. These songs were written with that mindset — not as an escape from hardship, but as a response to it.”
Musically, fans can expect the group’s established signature sound, built from a hard-set foundation of 90s grunge and punk—to be bolstered by sharper, metal-influenced guitar work and anthemic choruses. The lead single, ‘T.O.A.’, is slated to arrive on streaming platforms shortly, offering a first glimpse of the high-octane energy and raw hooks that define the new era of the band.
With ‘Nine’, Simple Stone aren't just looking back at their Sydney roots; they are firmly focused on the horizon. With upcoming tour dates being mapped out for both Japan and the United States, this release acts as a bold mission statement for their global expansion.
‘Nine’ will be available on all digital platforms and on CD via the band’s Bandcamp page and at their notoriously high-energy live shows from 30 January. For more from the trio, be sure to follow them today on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
