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Three journeymen musicians met at the crossroads… We’d love to tell you a cool story like that but the truth is far more sedate. The Rough Housers are a trio of rockabilly loving chaps hailing from the Western of Australia, bringing their own unique sound to an amalgam of country, blues and rockabilly. They’re not afraid to say they’re influenced by the masters, but theirs is a sound that’s a modern take on the old style for a modern audience. They say they know what year it is. Formed by three members of local group Murphy's Lore when other people went off to get famous and armed with a mutual love of rock 'n' roll, country, blues and rockabilly, The Rough Housers pump out fast and sometimes furious little thumpers, songs designed to get people sweating and shouting along for up to two and half minutes at a time. The dynamic trio of ne’er-do-wells consists of guitarist Jason Smith on twanging geetar, Kieran Murphy on stand-up drums and lead vocalising and Shaun Street on upright bass and background yelps. This mighty triumvirate released their debut single in early 2021, pressing “Life’s a Drag” b/w “My Bonneville” as a limited-edition vinyl 45. Brian Ray, guitarist for Paul McCartney and Etta James, described their debut single as a “killer psychobilly car culture rocker!” Writing and recording continued over the next few years while they honed they chops with regular shows at Alabama Song at Northbridge Social, Honky Tonk Bar Freo and The Perth Blues Club at the Charles Hotel. Their debut album is hitting the wax as these words are typed and is due out later this year. The Rough Housers are getting ready to ride again… If you’re willing to join them, there’s a table waiting at the festival de la twang.