Created In Partnership With Mentos
It’s official, punk is making a comeback.
A four-piece punk-rock group hailing from Australian capital Canberra, Sonic Reducer was initially started by school friends — vocalist Cormac and drummer Lachlan — before being joined by guitarist Ryleigh and bassist Louie.
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If you were to ask them yourself, they would describe their sound as “minty, bombastic, loud,” three descriptors as comfortably suited to the 1970s punk heyday as they are in 2026.
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Reminiscent of The Clash and Arctic Monkeys, the punk band brings a melancholy indie vocal effect with garage-inspired beats and angular guitar riffs, creating an artistically ambitious sound that feels more fitting for the early 2000s than today’s pop-forward music landscape.
Regardless, the band has seen record success, winning Artist of the Year and Best Live Act at the Canberra Music Awards off their debut EP SKEWBALL in 2024.
Now, as the newest addition to the Mentos Fresh Sounds Class of ’26, curated by Rolling Stone AU/NZ, the group took the In My Room stage. They performed two singles from their new EP Living Room, “Julien” and “I Know (In The End)”, bringing melancholic lyrics, subtle charisma and a pitch-perfect performance to the Rolling Stone AU/NZ audience.
The group is soon to depart on tour, supporting Japanese art-rock band Betcover!! on their Australian leg. With a nostalgic sound, strong relationships, and developing international presence, it’s fair to say there’s no stopping Sonic Reducer.
Follow their journey through the Fresh Sounds Class of ’26 and beyond here.
