Mulga Bore Hard Rock are utterly unique: a First Nations rock band from the remote Akaye (Mulga Bore) desert community in the Northern Territory with a penchant for the stadium rock they were raised on: AC/DC, Kiss (who they once supported), and Guns N’ Roses. Their debut eight-tracker channels these early influences into a combustible melange of gritty riffing, pyrotechnic guitar solos, and stadium-shaking rhythms—elements you’d expect of a band from the ’80s Sunset Strip, not a desert community with a population of less than 40. Comprised of siblings and cousins, the sextet celebrate their cultural heritage throughout: The title track and “Young Men” are both sung in Anmatjere language, the former paying homage to their family and culture, and inspired by growing up in the bush. “Heavy Rain” was informed by a thunderstorm that struck lead vocalist Alvin Manfong’s home, while “Big Train” recounts his childhood dream of jumping aboard a train that passed in the distance to pursue a career in rock ’n’ roll. With each member fashioning Kiss-inspired makeup and names like Thunder Child (Manfong), Desert Demon (bassist Kirklen Bird), and Desert Dingo (drummer Aiden Manfong), Mulga Bore Hard Rock are fun, musically furious, and utterly essential.