Mulga Bore Hard Rock has released their debut single Young Men (Younga Barla Mapa), now available via Community Music.
Fresh from packed shows at SXSW Sydney and Bigsound, the track showcases raw energy and a modern take on glam rock.
Mulga Bore, a remote community with under 40 residents and a small school, is where lead singer Alvin Manfong and his family developed their musical roots.
Sung in the Anmatjerre language, 'Young Men' reflects their upbringing, the close ties of their community, and the vivid landscapes of Central Australia.
"Growing up in Mulga Bore, music was always part of our life. Uncles, Aunties, Mums, Dads, and the kids always played country and gospel music around the campfire," Mr Manfong said.
"Some families would play rock like Status Quo, Guns N' Roses, AC/DC, and KISS — I loved that the most."
'Young Men' channels the high-energy sounds of the 1980s glam rock era, with heavy drums and polished guitar solos that lend the track an intense, upbeat feel.
The accompanying music video captures the band's spirited style, featuring scenes along an outback highway with the members dressed in KISS-inspired attire as they cruise in a powder-blue 1964 Cadillac, before arriving at a carnival.
This imagery contrasts Mulga Bore's two worlds: traditional culture and the iconic rock imagery from which the band draws.
Mr Manfong's musical journey began at Mulga Bore School, where he formed a band with his brother and cousins.
"We called ourselves Mulga Bore Hard Rock, and we loved playing hard rock 'n' roll," he said.
"At night, I would dream of playing on big stages around the world.
"I started practising songs from YouTube at night while everyone was asleep across the room."
Music became both an aspiration and a connection to family.
"One day, I spoke to my Uncle David about his life on the road as a musician," Mr Manfong said.
"He said it was a beautiful story but told me it's always hard leaving home, being away from family.
"You have to balance family, culture, blak lore, and white law, all at once."
Mulga Bore Hard Rock brings a unique and authentic voice to Australia's rock scene, merging their cultural heritage with a fresh sound that resonates well beyond their small desert town.
The six-piece group, comprising Thunder Child (Alvin Manfong - vocals/guitar), Desert Demon (Kirklen Bird - bass/vocals), Desert Dingo (Aiden Manfong - drums), Queen of Hearts (Niara Tilmouth - vocals/tambourine), Star Boy (Tryell Bird - guitar/vocals), and Black Diamond (Talvin Bird - bass), is made up of siblings and cousins aged 14 to 19.
Defying expectations for their age, the band impressed audiences with their live performances, including a support slot for KISS during their final Australian tour, earning praise from the iconic rock band.
The band was named one of Double J's "finest acts" from Bigsound, with major outlets like The AU Review, NME, Backseat Mafia, and The Underground Stage giving them positive reviews.
"It was amazing to be acknowledged by the industry," Mr Manfong said.
"We just wanted to bring Mulga Bore to the big stage, to show that even from a tiny community, we can share our stories with Australia and beyond."
With their debut single, Mulga Bore Hard Rock offers a glimpse into the vibrant blend of culture, family, and rock 'n' roll that defines them.
'Young Men' is a testament to their journey and passion, promising to add a dynamic new voice to Australian rock music.