When a track is born from the whirlwind of life on the road, it often carries a specific kinetic energy that is hard to replicate in a sterile studio. For South Coast indie-rockers The VANNS, their single ‘Gas Craic’ was exactly that—a lightning-bolt moment sparked by the highs and lows of a UK tour. Now, the band has breathed fresh life into the anthem, enlisting the grit and gravel of country powerhouse Brad Cox for a reimagined version that bridges the gap between indie-rock sheen and raw storytelling.
The pairing might seem unexpected on paper, but the creative shorthand between these artists runs deep. Cox previously put his own spin on the band’s track ‘Silhouette’, making this official collaboration feel less like a label-driven crossover and more like a natural evolution of a mutual fan club.
Reflecting on the track’s origins, the band explains: “'Gas Craic' was one of the first songs to come together in the writing process of our third record. It was written relatively quickly after our tour in the UK and the song encapsulates some memorable moments from that tour.”
This latest release follows the massive success of their third studio album, 'All That’s In My Head', which made a serious dent in the charts last year. Debuting at number 5 on the Australian Albums Chart and a staggering number 3 on the Vinyl charts, the record proved that the Wollongong four-piece have truly hit their stride. With the music video for ‘Accomplice’ already clocking over 1.56 million views, the band is currently navigating a career-high, supported by a relentless touring schedule that has seen them share stages with international heavyweights like The Kooks, The Wombats, and Inhaler.
By adding Brad Cox’s distinctive vocal texture to the mix, ‘Gas Craic’ transforms into a collaborative celebration of the Australian music scene’s current strength. It’s a song that feels lived-in—rich with nostalgia for those blurry tour nights, yet polished enough to dominate festival main stages from Splendour to The Great Escape.
You can stream the new version of ‘Gas Craic’ on all major platforms now. Be sure to follow The VANNS on Instagram to keep up with their upcoming tour dates and behind-the-scenes antics.
