Radium Dolls - Wound Up (2026)

Building on the revved-up momentum of their 2024 debut, Legal Speed, Radium Dolls power through their second album with a confidence bolstered by relentless touring. The Brisbane quartet have sharpened their focus on every front, with the hook of opener “Radio” evoking John Carpenter’s iconic Halloween theme before singer/guitarist Will Perkins nails down some gruff talk-singing and a chantable chorus.

Tracks like “Scorching Heat” and “Daddy” offload blistering commentary on modern Australia matching that of Floodlights or The Peep Tempel, while Perkins turns in the album’s biggest breakout with “Moving”. Inspired by the thoughtful conclusion to a seven-year relationship, he immediately sets the ballad’s scene and then proceeds to capture the poignant details of difficult life changes. The song still packs plenty of noisy turbulence, thanks in part to Perkins’ guitarist (and brother) Tom, on its way to hard-won emotional closure.

It’s a world away from the cheeky pub rock of “Hot Heads, Hot Breads” or Perkins’ exaggerated vocal delivery on “Wheels Fall Off”, which simply confirms the band’s deeper arsenal of approaches.