CIVIC, the Melbourne punk band, is set to release their third studio album, titled Chrome Dipped, on May 30, 2025, through ATO Records. This announcement, made on March 19, 2025, follows the release of their sophomore effort, Taken By Force, in 2023. The new album marks a significant shift in the band’s musical direction, one that diverges from the ’70s Australian punk sound that defined their earlier work.
Guitarist Lewis Hodgson articulated this transformation, stating, "We’d been pushing a sort of ’70s Australian punk sound with our first two records, but I think we wanted to take it in a different direction. I think it was all starting to feel a bit stale." This desire for innovation aligns with the ethos of the band as they explored a broader sonic palette. Vocalist Jim McCullough echoed this sentiment, noting, "We didn’t really know what we were going to make, but we went into it very open for change."
The album's title track, also named Chrome Dipped, was shared as a preview. The band described the song as touching on themes of human emotion in a rapidly mechanizing world, stating, "Chrome Dipped is about finding human emotion and a world that’s hurling towards complete reliance on the machine." This message encapsulates the tension between technology and human experience, a concept that resonates strongly in today’s society.
In celebration of the album's launch, CIVIC will embark on a significant tour schedule starting in May 2025. The North American leg includes performances in several notable cities, including Las Vegas, San Francisco, and New York City. Fans can catch them live at:
- Las Vegas, NV – May 24-25
- Seattle, WA – May 30
- San Francisco, CA – June 3
- New York, NY – June 13
Prior to their North American tour, CIVIC will support the legendary Sex Pistols, featuring Frank Carter, across various Australian venues in April 2025, including Melbourne and Sydney. This opportunity not only showcases their rising popularity but also places them on a prestigious platform alongside seminal punk rock pioneers.
Following the North American tour, CIVIC has planned stops in Europe, where they will showcase their music at the 2000trees festival in the UK on July 10, 2025. Additional European dates include performances in cities like Madrid and Berlin, allowing the band to reach a broader audience.
Here's the full tracklist for Chrome Dipped:
- The Fool
- Chrome Dipped
- Gulls Way
- The Hogg
- Trick Pony
- Poison
- Amissus
- Starting All The Dogs Off
- Fragrant Rice
- Swing Of The Noose
CIVIC promises that Chrome Dipped will be a significant milestone in their already impressive career. As they continue to evolve their sound and message, the band aims to captivate both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
With tickets already on sale, this upcoming tour is set to be an exciting time for fans of punk rock and those familiar with CIVIC's energetic live performances.
To stay updated on their tour stops and album releases, fans should keep an eye on the band’s official channels and prepare for a thrilling musical experience with Chrome Dipped.
