Barely resting since a whirlwind of tours throughout 2014, The Smith Street Band is back in the car on a 24-stop tour around Australia.

Their fourth stop will see them perform at Ballarat’s Karova Lounge Friday.

“We haven’t done a tour this big in a while so it’s going to be a lot of fun,” frontman Wil Wagner said.

“We have put a lot of effort into making the show great. “Karova is a venue we all really love, so we will all be in a good mood.”

Despite never imagining the group of rockers would be as adored by fans as they are, Wagner said the last 15 months had been a stellar time for the four-piece.

Performing songs from their new record Throw Me In The River, Wagner said it was this album that has seen fans connect more than ever.

“I’ve had a lot of people come up and talk to me about it after a show, he said.

“I don’t really like reading reviews, I like hearing what fans think, they’re the ones who really want to say something.”

Having written much of the album on the road between shows, Wagner said Throw Me In The River came across sadder than previous albums which was something fans were really speaking positively on, some even saying it had helped them through tough times.

“I’ve had a lot of issues with mental health issues, so it kind of throws out a branch to those in the same boat,” he said.

“I once had those bands I would listen to, so it’s nice to know we’re doing that for other people . . . particularly with young men.

“There is a sense out there that you can’t talk about it, we’re all blokey dudes but we’re all depressed in some way, so this album is a way for people to feel more comfortable and know they can talk about it.”

As part of their national tour the boys will be supported by Toronto-based punk band PUP, London trio Great Cynics and Melbourne grunge rockers Apart From This. 

The Smith Street Band will also perform at The Bridge Hotel in Castlemaine on Wednesday, February 18.

The Info...

WHAT: The Smith Street Band

WHEN: Friday, January 30, doors 8.30pm

WHERE: Karova Lounge, corner Camp and Field Streets

TICKETS: $25 + bf