Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
The Living End have today released their first new album in eight years, ‘I Only Trust Rock n Roll’ and have well and truly returned to their rock ’n’ roll roots
In our new interview with Chris Cheney, we discuss how I Only Trust Rock and Roll marks a deliberate return to The Living End's roots, a raw, relentless, back-to-basics rock and roll album. Written as far back as 2018 and delayed by the pandemic, the record became a full-circle moment for the band, stripping things down to their essence with fast, aggressive songs reminiscent of their debut.
Cheney speaks about the cathartic process of writing tracks like Misery, which serve as both therapy and reflection, while songs such as Alfie and Public Holiday tackle issues within the entertainment industry and the ongoing debate around Australia Day. He noted that this record carries a stronger social and personal message, echoing the band's early punk roots of protest and commentary.
Working with producer Kevin Shirley, the band kept things quick, raw, and live, relying on strong performances rather than overproduction. Gear-wise, Cheney mainly stuck to his Gretsch Falcon, a Telecaster, and classic amps, keeping the sound simple and direct.
Looking ahead, The Living End will tour by performing I Only Trust Rock and Roll alongside their self-titled debut in full, treating the shows as an event rather than just another album tour. Cheney admits it feels natural to move between the two eras, as the band has always thrived on stylistic variety.
He describes the title track as both a personal statement and the perfect summary of the band's ethos, in an uncertain world, rock and roll remains something he can always trust. Live, the band still aims to be the most ferocious act on any stage, giving 110% every night with the same hunger and edge they had in their twenties.
#australianmusician #thelivingend
The Living End have today released their first new album in eight years, ‘I Only Trust Rock n Roll’ and have well and truly returned to their rock ’n’ roll roots
In our new interview with Chris Cheney, we discuss how I Only Trust Rock and Roll marks a deliberate return to The Living End's roots, a raw, relentless, back-to-basics rock and roll album. Written as far back as 2018 and delayed by the pandemic, the record became a full-circle moment for the band, stripping things down to their essence with fast, aggressive songs reminiscent of their debut.
Cheney speaks about the cathartic process of writing tracks like Misery, which serve as both therapy and reflection, while songs such as Alfie and Public Holiday tackle issues within the entertainment industry and the ongoing debate around Australia Day. He noted that this record carries a stronger social and personal message, echoing the band's early punk roots of protest and commentary.
Working with producer Kevin Shirley, the band kept things quick, raw, and live, relying on strong performances rather than overproduction. Gear-wise, Cheney mainly stuck to his Gretsch Falcon, a Telecaster, and classic amps, keeping the sound simple and direct.
Looking ahead, The Living End will tour by performing I Only Trust Rock and Roll alongside their self-titled debut in full, treating the shows as an event rather than just another album tour. Cheney admits it feels natural to move between the two eras, as the band has always thrived on stylistic variety.
He describes the title track as both a personal statement and the perfect summary of the band's ethos, in an uncertain world, rock and roll remains something he can always trust. Live, the band still aims to be the most ferocious act on any stage, giving 110% every night with the same hunger and edge they had in their twenties.
#australianmusician #thelivingend
