Meet The Rions, the Sydney teens making brilliant indie-rock with Head Still Hurts

It's gotten to the time of year where the acts set to strive in the following year are really separating themselves from the pack, and a group certainly amongst that one-to-watch list for 2021 is The Rions. The four-piece of Northern Beaches / Sydney teenagers have armed themselves with musical teases of a bright future ahead, using their 2020 as an introductory moment that welcomes you into their world - musical world and personal worlds - before they really take off in the year ahead (although you could probably argue that they're getting to it a month or two early).

Even with their youth acknowledged, the project is reflective of years worth building energy all coming together; The Rions beginning to showcase their craft in the live show as bright-eyed 13-year-olds under the guidance of John Stone (a.k.a. Angus and Julia Stone's father), with the years since spent doubling down on their skillset and songwriting as they prepare for work of their own to be set free. Their debut single Halfway Out kicked off both the year and their trajectory, and everything they've put out since - their second track Sadie particularly - seeing the group further themselves, going from strength to strength.

Now, with their third single Head Still Hurts, it all seems to come together in a way that's impossible to ignore. The song is a dancing three-minutes-thirty of catchy indie-rock that feels like the intersection of their influences spread across the rock world; frontman Noah Blockley capturing the brit-pop swagger of Arctic Monkeys' Alex Turner while the rest of the band descend into this breezy, alt-indie-rock-pop-esque fusion that feels expertly built for the festival stage and radio speakers alike - a strong drawcard that hints at their explosive break-out ahead.

It feels like a wind-swept and rather light-hearted approach to indie on its surface, but the real talents of The Rions make themselves known underneath these foundations, which seemingly, mask bigger understandings of themselves and the changing world around them. Head Still Hurts shows maturity beyond their age, breaking down the effects of alcohol on relationships around them in a way that draws you in unsuspectingly, and has you leaving feeling more aware of what's at play.

It's something also shown through the song's video clip, which in addition to reinforcing the song's theme, also doubles down on the group's multi-dimensional craft; the video being completely self-made (and really, really quite great). You can dive into the video below, and underneath that, be sure to take the time to introduce yourself to The Rions before their plans for the year ahead.

Tell us about yourself?

We're a band of 16 & 17-year-olds (Noah, Harley, Asher & Tom) from the Northern Beaches of Sydney. We've been in a band for 4 years and just released our 3rd single Head Still Hurts and hope to release more next year (stay tuned). We met in year 7 for a talent quest with a genre restricted only to Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran - nowadays we're stylistically described as indie, alternative rock.

What’s the ‘vibe’ music-wise?

Anywhere from the British rock sounds of Arctic Monkeys to the dreamy synth sounds of Spacey Jane & Dayglow, and the influence of alternative indie rock acts like Lime Cordiale.

What are your production and writing processes usually like?

Noah and Harley would usually come to the band with lyrics or chords and then all 4 boys would add their own sugar and spice, creating a track with all 4 ideas and palettes. For Head Still Hurts, we took the song to Callum Howell as we loved his work with Ocean Alley and we worked together to decide on what to add and take out, creating a song loved by everyone.

Can you tell us a bit about this new single, Head Still Hurts?

It's about the effects that alcohol can have on a relationship and how the main character cares for this person regardless of how much alcohol can get in between them. The mix between the rocky choruses and the popping verses represent the fun, wild ride of a relationship.

What do you have planned for the rest of 2020 and 2021?

We have plans for an EP in 2021 and playing shows around the East coast as well as surviving through Year 12.

What do you want people to take away from the project?

We want people to feel a connection to the music and lyrics as well as the beautiful little teenagers behind it all.

Where can we find more of your music?

Our 3 released songs Head Still Hurts, Halfway Out and Sadie are on all the usual streaming platforms, as well as some sneaky unreleased covers on our Instagram, Youtube and Facebook. If you want to hear more, y'all are gonna have to come to our shows!

Follow The Rions: FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / TIKTOK