Words by Rachel June

Melbourne six-piece Shock Corridor return with their new single ‘Sheet Metal’, alongside the video. It follows ‘Buster’, an expansive and anthemic release that drew support from BBC 6 Music, METAL and Line of Best Fit. Listen here.

Sheet Metal shows a more restrained side to the band. Built around piano, muted trumpet, and layered vocal harmonies, it leans into something softer and more intimate, while still expanding their sonic world.

The band describe it as their take on a duet. “It was inspired by looking out of train windows while travelling overseas, and the feeling of leaving things unsaid with the people you leave behind. It’s a quieter, more restrained track that tries to capture those fleeting glimpses into other lives as they pass by.

The six-piece from Melbourne create music that is melodic, dark, and moody, yet bursting with promise, built from synths, violins, and dramatic crescendos of deep feeling. “It’s named after my best friend and is about the importance of genuine human connection in whatever time historians will call our present,” says singer George Miller.

Reminiscent of artists like Massive Attack, PJ Harvey, and Björk, they channel a kind of 90s-inflected atmosphere, but Shock Corridor have their own distinct identity. Their sound is fluid, shifting between moods and textures, anchored by a persistent sense of darkness. “We don’t want to feel boxed in,” they say. “We just go with the flow.”

Their chemistry is central to their sound. “We’re all best friends,” says George. “We went to high school together in Melbourne.” The band have been together for seven years, with each member constantly inspired and energised by what they create together.

Their name comes from the film Shock Corridor. “My dad had the DVD, and it just stood out,” George laughs. “I liked the film, but I don’t think any of the band have actually seen it to this day.”

Their creative process is collaborative. “We all get excited when we’re jamming,” they explain. “Someone can play a melody and it just pivots everything.” Some of their most memorable moments are the in-between ones: “Driving across Australia on tour, playing live, grabbing food after a gig… sometimes it’s those moments that stick with you the most,” George reflects.

Shock Corridor dream of playing Golden Plains Festival in Victoria. “We go every year, so we’ve always dreamed of playing it.” They also hope to tour Europe, share their sound, and make friends along the way.

Like many emerging bands, they’ve faced challenges. “Everything’s expensive,” they say, “but you just keep making music. Play shows, meet people, and make friends.”

George’s musical diet right now is Baxter Dury, who he has on repeat.