Melbourne punk band CIVIC is back in the spotlight with exciting news for fans and rock enthusiasts alike. On March 19, 2025, they announced the upcoming release of their third studio album, titled Chrome Dipped, set to hit shelves on May 30 through ATO Records. This follows the success of their previous album, Taken By Force, which dropped in 2023.
As they look ahead to this release, frontman Jim McCullough shared insights into the band's evolution. “We’ve always done our records DIY,” he explained, reflecting on their grassroots approach to music production. “This time we wanted to step up and make it sound as big as we could.” By enlisting producer Kirin J. Callinan, known for his unique and bold style, CIVIC aims to create a more expansive sonic landscape that diverges from the raw, guitar-driven sound that characterized their first two albums.
Guitarist Lewis Hodgson described this shift in direction, noting, “We’d been pushing a sort of ’70s Australian punk sound... but I think we wanted to take it in a different direction. I think it was all starting to feel a bit stale.” This willingness to embrace change reflects the band’s desire to keep their music fresh and relevant in an ever-evolving music industry.
Amid this new wave of creativity, they have already released the title track, Chrome Dipped, which articulates their exploration of modernity. “It's about finding human emotion and a world that's hurling towards complete reliance on the machine,” said McCullough, encapsulating a theme that resonates deeply in today’s technology-driven society. The music video for the title track, directed by Marcus Coblyn, further amplifies this message with stark visual storytelling.
Adding to the excitement, CIVIC is set to embark on a North American tour beginning with their performance at the Punk Rock Bowling festival over Memorial Day Weekend, taking place on May 24 and 25 in Las Vegas, NV. Following that, the tour will feature a string of headline shows across the continent, including anticipated stops in major cities such as New York, Washington, D.C., and Chicago. Specifically, they will rock the stage at NYC's TV Eye on June 13.
Tickets for all headline shows will go on sale on March 21 at 10 AM local time, giving loyal fans the chance to secure their spots to experience the band’s high-energy performances firsthand. Alongside their North American dates, CIVIC is also scheduled to perform in Australia and Europe, wrapping up a busy touring schedule that showcases their growing international appeal.
The upcoming tour will see the band visiting notable venues, starting with Festival Hall in Melbourne on April 5 and extending to cities in Spain, Italy, and the UK throughout July. The full schedule includes stops in Madrid, Barcelona, and even a festival appearance at 2000 Trees, which promises to be a highlight of their summer tour.
CIVIC's willingness to evolve their sound while staying true to their punk roots sets them apart in the music scene. As they prepare for the release of Chrome Dipped and more touring connections, fans are eager to see what this new era will unfold, harnessing fresh expressions and deep insights into the human condition.
With each new project, CIVIC continues to capture the essence of contemporary punk while pushing artistic boundaries, and Chrome Dipped appears to be no exception. The anticipation builds as the release date approaches, promising a dynamic musical experience that reflects both their heritage and innovative spirit.
