Hang On, The Chats Are Awesome

This is one of the most requested bands on my channel - The Chats! They're an Australian Punk Band and I've been told I should react to their song "Smoko". So, let's get in to.
As always, what do you think? Do you love it? Or is it not for you? Why is everyone so obsessed with The Chats right now?
The Darkness are going on in Australia & New Zealand this October 2022 you can get tickets here: www.thedarknesslive.com/tour-...
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We are also doing a co-headline UK Arena Tour with Black Stone Cherry in January 2023 you can tickets for that here too: www.thedarknesslive.com/tour-...
#thechats #smoko #musicreview

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Speaking of Aussies...The Darkness are going on tour in Australia and New Zealand this October!! Tickets: www.thedarknesslive.com/tour-dates/

[@seanohartaigh2209]

With bells on here. Can you do a darkness inspired lesson for us

[@NinStardust]

I clicked it! I wait impatiently for you to irritate me every day! 😁 how great is that song? But doesn’t it remind you of Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid”? It’s all I can think of now 😅

[@infamousT]

This is a LEGENDARY track mate!

[@jimmyska4]

Struck By Lightening - The Chats 🤘🏼

[@borgig]

Clicked. The bell is on sir 👍

[@waygonner]

My 17 y/o son saw the chats in Brooklyn a couple months ago. His first concert without me and he said there were bloody noses, 80’s monster truck videos on loop behind the band, and he was nearly struck in the face by a thrown shoe. I can’t honestly think of a better concert experience for a kid of his age!

[@sarah1go853]

This honestly warms my heart.

[@sjukfan]

At one of my first concerts I almost ended up with my head in the bass drum. Great times.

[@brownsworthy7323]

Brilliant!

[@mgradiant]

Now THAT is a proper punk rock show. Consider it a baptism by punk rock for him.

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

So he had a great time 🤘

[@philippe4106]

Those sunglasses are known in Australia as speed dealer sunnies.

[@sofiecallow350]

I’m my country the direct translation of them is “speed glasses” lol

[@postpunk6947]

oh man, Aussies are so funny with those nicknames for everything.

[@andreww6026]

Speedies to be clear

[@jumihendriks9709]

In Finland they are called "speed binoculars" roughly translated. Having more or less the same meaning

[@superharuhifan]

Shortened to "speedies" where I'm from in Oz

[@curtisebear1568]

One of the most punk things I’ve ever seen was the chats in Adelaide a couple years back. They tried to get their friend on stage to join them but a bouncer grabbed him; the less singer yelled “oi get the fuck off him!” And face first dived right into bouncer from the stage! A huge riot broke out and people were pushing and rushing until they all made it back on stage with their mate and went straight into Smoko. The energy was insaaane! I’ve seen a lot of sets and that was the most chaotic.

[@TheSwordster123]

golden moment

[@RepublicWar]

@aofmual where was there anything about culture in there?

[@1337flite]

Typical Adelaide punk gig.

[@zacharybinx5443]

They're a hit machine. Smoko, Pub Feed, Identity Theft and The Clap. Great band.

[@eggymayo3271]

Hahaha they have back to back bangers

[@victoriagill1588]

I so wanted to see the Wiggles give The Clap a go on there cover band. 🤣🤣

[@pc4mlc451]

6L GTR is a fucking masterpiece.

[@JrgsGrg]

6L GTR \,,/

[@injuringchip3161]

That sounds like a night out

[@pejpm]

My 3 year old daughter is obsessed with the Chats. Every morning she asks to hear ‘the lightning song’ (Struck By Lightning), ‘the dinner song’ (Pub Feed), and Smoko (she can say that one)

[@richymoore]

Their best tune to date is ACDC CD. Genuis tactic, during 2020 when ACDC were due to release their latest album, the Chats released a song about waiting for the new ACDC album. Class band !

[@jmhaces]

Agreed. "Smoko" and "AC/DC CD" are probably their best songs to introduce someone to The Chats and the videos are hilarious. I also enjoy "Identity Theft."

[@gilligan80]

4573

[@gilligan80]

Drunk and disorderly

[@maegnificant]

@@jmhaces i got drunk in every pub in Brisbane and pub feed are my favorites

[@eddiepopcopter5902]

Hard agree

[@neilr4867]

Smoko is indeed a smoke break, traditionally midway between starting work and lunch. Observed mainly by tradespeople who consume pies, sausage rolls and washed down with an energy drink of choice.

[@HighscoreCreative]

Iced coffee

[@neilr4867]

@@HighscoreCreative How could I forget? 😄

[@HighscoreCreative]

@@neilr4867 it's a staple mate.

[@Kirrawirra]

Or beer

[@victoriagill1588]

Ice coffee and a pie! 🤣

[@sirpatrickspens]

They’ve done really well in the five years since Smoko. They’ve toured the US and won praise from the likes of Dave Grohl. They’re supporting GnR on their Aussie tour. You should get them along to your Aussie shows in October.

[@fixed4816]

Poor gnr..

[@alwaysabiggafish3305]

@@fixed4816 anyone can support gnr these days because they need people who make them look like competent musicians.

[@stambo1983]

​@@alwaysabiggafish3305 Lighten up you melts

[@jamescameron6819]

More like gnr was supporting them

[@baabaabaa-yp2jh]

It was Iggy that got em to the US.

[@LimitedHandles]

The Chats are excellent. I really enjoy Pub Feed as well, the song that is.

[@StrudelShaft]

Give credit to the food as well, friend. No better bit of grub.

[@edrader]

mum stole my darts

[@flipsmc8647]

.... And the parmys.👌

[@badcrumble1]

Medium well!!

[@icepick1514]

It's all I want and all I need.

[@ThatGuy-bp4gz]

Few bands have produced as many Australian national anthems as these young gentlemen. "Bus Money" is another must listen

[@patrickgalloway2448]

Bus money is my favorite

[@taniasalu2405]

Shed Rock. Yeah, your garden shed. The Chats set up next to the lawnmower and the old leaky esky. We love these guys.

[@EchoBravo370]

The lyric is just such pure working class genius, you kinda can't believe it hasn't been done before.

[@mike04574]

It has been

[@onyxodyssey]

FINALLY! The Chats get some love! "Identity Theft" is my personal anthem.

[@waygonner]

Mine is the clap

[@mrwolsy3696]

Always confused with the skegs.

[@sjukfan]

@@waygonner Dammit! I was gonna say that 😀

[@mitchmiller6366]

All I need is a good pub feed 👍🏻

[@thetravellershub]

It happened to me, it could happen to you

[@victorycupcake3061]

I love love love that justin can see the brilliance in the chats. They aren't pushing the fold by any means but god damn are they sincere with their punk rock attitude. That's the thing a bout punk....if you're faking it, people will notice.

[@whyn1cole]

As an Aussie who loves your channel. I am so tickled by this. Saw them in a little venue here in Syd back in 2017 and I definitely felt I was seeing something about to explode. 🥰 Love this!!

[@chrisg1772]

Saw The Chats supporting Queens of the stone age last night and they fucking rocked. Will be keeping an eye out for them in future, can only imagine how chaotic they would be in a smaller venue

[@tracys694]

I just found the Chats last week, thanks to Pat Finnerty’s channel, which is equally excellent 🤘✨

[@sweptinblack]

Same. Bus Money, 6L gtr, pub feed, acdc cd, the chats got some great songs.

[@IntoTheVerticalBlank]

@@sweptinblack Beato fellas, B.E.A.T.O!

[@rbtdoster]

The pedal mobile is gaining fame worldwide!

[@GregGallagher]

Same! I love that Justin was in one of the first episodes of Pat’s WMTSS series

[@Dunavitzki]

KZbin got me into all 3 of these channels before they even overlapped 🤯

[@billyaugust]

That feeling when I saw the thumbnail of the Chats video on this channel was surreal and awesome. Have been loving this channel and telling my co -workers about it, revisiting the Darkness and being introduced so some of the cool new bands Justin has played, so when this band/song popped up here I feel and hope that it stoked again the rock & roll fires of many around here as it did for me.

[@mikeysingleton6389]

Justin, you're genuinely one of the best things to happen to KZbin with your channel, also, I love The Chats, so I've never smashed the like button faster.

[@zed4225]

Well said and ditto

[@BitchIwasBorn]

Hi Justin! This channel is so great; the algorithm did me a real solid by recommending it to me yesterday. Permission To Land was a really special album for me, and it's one of those albums that transports me back to when I heard it for the first time. I was 16 and had just started to discover my love and passion for good music. Looking back, that time in my life was nothing short of magical. Thanks for being part of that magic Cheers

[@h4ndrix]

definitely Black Sabbath Paranoid riff vibes.

[@mikesmith3342]

Yep, that's what I thought...

[@leemccarthy6]

AU has such an awesome music scene, tonnes of amazing bands.

[@Piper2112]

First Pat Finnerty, now you. Love that The Chats are getting some universal recognition. Love all of your work, cheers!

[@adrock1011]

Beato

[@recommendedforyou6235]

@@adrock1011 So sad this summer

[@adrock1011]

@@recommendedforyou6235 i bought that shirt…. Immediately

[@williamballard2964]

Well done Justin!!! I always appreciate an up and coming "garage" band making out of the garage and out into the sunshine. Cheers!!!

[@maddpunx]

The Chats are brilliant, been listening for a couple of years 🙂

[@idontwantahandlethough]

"perched atop of his milk crate throne" hah, what a wonderful turn of phrase :)

[@angusdrummond6719]

Thanks Justin and all involved. I checked this out straight after this video....and it is indeed awesome!

[@Reid_Jorgensen]

200K subscribers can't be wrong! Congrats on the new milestone Justin, cheers! 👍

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Cheers Reid!

[@zeruzio1345]

Wow Reid Shadow Legends must be making bank to be able to shell out $10 just for a comment on KZbin.

[@richiep3520]

Congratulations on the 200k. Very well deserved and I'm sure the numbers will continue to rack up. Look forward to January for The UK tour. Worth travelling across the sea for 😋

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Cheers Richie!

[@richiep3520]

@@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain 😍

[@MatthewJohnCrittenden]

As a Pom in Aus for 17 years AND a Darkness / Chats fan from basically their beginnings this warms my heart.

[@briero]

Brilliant. This is the first I’ve heard of the Chats. This one reminds me of a mixture of Sleaford Mods, Amyl and the Sniffers with a Black Sabbath Paranoid riff. Love it 😎

[@Buesifluesterer]

Your authentic positive attitude is contagious! E.g. joyfully saying „it‘s gonna be brilliant“ prior to having heard a single note. Were you born this way or is this something that can be „learned“ to a certain extent? I admire that very much and for me was one of the reasons that you quickly became one of my top-3 KZbinrs! Vibes like yours are always very welcomed , but even more so in times like these! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Sincerely yours, the „catwhisperer“ aka Büsiflüsterer

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

I've no idea! Thanks again!!

[@Buesifluesterer]

@@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain maybe the holy Triptych of musicians not willing to join club 27 plays a role: Love, Sport and Rock n Roll 😉

[@thenatural1sttrpg]

The Chats are brilliant. Glad you got to give them a listen.

[@thenatural1sttrpg]

@ghost mall try and have some fun mate. It's good energy this group is putting out. Punk isn't for everyone I get it.

[@thenatural1sttrpg]

@ghost mallI too grew up listening to punk and metal. you should try their newer stuff. 6 litre gtr is good, ac/DC cd is as well. Or check them out playing with Genisis Owasu's cover of talking heads psycho killer.

[@dylanhopwood3773]

defiantly worth looking up clips of them playing live lots of energy the crowd really gets into it they put on a great show

[@kbusby4824]

Yes, I was one of those who requested that you react to The Chats back at the beginning of your channel. I think you would enjoy their song, AC/DC CD, as well. Glad you are getting around to these gents.

[@sweptinblack]

The chats give me hope for rock music. Simple riff and songs, tons of personality and unpretentious lyrics. They are fun. I've noticed that all these bands that are starting to get momentum: wet leg, king gizzard and the lizard wizards, viagra boys, black midi, the chats-- they all sound wildly different and unique, but they all share a great sense of humor and are FUN. I hope we are on a wave that's going to bring back rock music in a big way. I was playing the chats the other day and my little nephew ran up screaming "SIX LITAHH GEE TEE AHHHH" little dude loves that song and smoko. Kids now only get exposed to garbage mumble rap, tiktok crap, and pop. They'd love rock bands if they could just get exposed to it. The metallica stranger things feature is another example of that.

[@captainspaulding2693]

The chats really are great. Different and awesome in all the right ways. Been a nice few years getting to know them 3 boys through their music.

[@mangezable]

Thanks! 9 long awaited months since you introduced me to The Chats until I saw them tonight. Best, raw, concert in at least 10 years.

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Thanks so much Magnus!

[@andrewcoates4952]

Been following the Chats for like 4 years and glad to see their following is growing!

[@catastrophe9400]

Congrats on 200k mate, love your videos

[@zed4225]

The Chats are brilliant Jussy, particularly this tune. I'm on smoko, so leave me alone. I know that feeling haha Good old Aussie pub band type stuff, they rock, glad they are getting recognition they deserve worldwide now

[@germantoenglish898]

Just spent the whole evening listening to Bill McClintock's mashups, this guy is a genius, I highly recommend him.

[@JosiahGould]

I've been a Patreon of his for a long while now. His "Soul Metal" is amazing. The Bob Marley / Billy Idol mashup has to be one of my favorite songs ever now.

[@KC-yi1td]

Loving your videos lately. They’re the perfect length to watch while I’m on smoko :) would love to see your reaction to more Aussie music

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Thanks KC! I'm glad to be part of your smoko.

[@Nils_Martin]

The shed is where you have a whiskey, smoke a cigar while working on your motorcycle and listen to The Darkness ☠️

[@MichaelKayin90Seconds]

I saw them in Austin, TX on their first US Tour. One of the best shows I've seen in years.

[@sarah1go853]

I also hope you get to cover them again!! Bloody legends. This was great to see.

[@dynatwenty]

Saw them live and they killed it. The chats are awesome in every way !

[@Mattlife97]

These guys were amazing as the openers for Queens of the Stone Age at Birmingham 2023.

[@garymitchell277]

I was also there. Absolutely spanked it.🎉🎉

[@OTOss8]

They pass the Punk authenticity check with flying colours. They're the real McCoy m'boy.

[@hussle2654]

These kids are carrying the entirety of punk rock on their shoulders, MF legends in the making 💪

[@richmondderek]

I was instantly in love with this band based on seeing/hearing this video 1st time. SMOKO!

[@krystallinecestmoneau1358]

I love these dudes hahah so cool to see you react to them

[@mayonaise7100]

UGHHH IM SO GLAD THEY’RE GETTING MORE ATTENTION!! “bus money” and “ticket inspector” are some of my fav songs by the chats!

[@Christophe_L]

I feel one aspect that is never mentioned is the facial expression he pulls when saying "I'm on smoko". Captures everything in it.

[@kyleyoungmusic]

Congrats on 200k!! 💫 🔥🌎

[@noisyverset]

Fantastic! Love your channel 🤘Informative and entertaining as always 🙂

[@Mrdayz]

The Justin Hawkins English accent spoken word version of the chorus is something we need

[@flipsmc8647]

Such an Aussie punk track. Brings back memories of Frenzal Rhomb gigs back in my day. Strayan legends mate!🤘

[@theslosh3059]

Frenzal Rhomb!! I saw them support Capdown and Less Than Jake at the Barrowlands in Glasgow over 20 years ago and they kicked ass.

[@johnedwardkerr7814]

So happy to see how happy The Chats made you Justin. This was an excellent discussion/vlog/reaction video. My buddy and I like The Chats, IDLES, and the Viagra Boys as far as modern punk goes... I consider The Chats as the great punk equalizers. Hope the album maintains their level of awesome... Would you cover King Krule or IDLES sometime soon?

[@shawnoladd]

FINALLY how long have we been asking for this now

[@houseoftheblessediron8903]

Lovin the punk energy from the Chats and several solid tunes, not just Smoko

[@feministadentata4041]

Oh boy, wait until you see them live (or a recording of that), they basically double speed all their songs, Ramones style, and it stays tight as fuuuuuuck! Great musicians, you can clearly hear they have way more technical skill, but simply choose not to implement it. That's indeed a masterclass in restraint.

[@ztwinturbo13]

Fuckin right they play fast!

[@Yourmomsomilfy]

@thechats should see this. Its amazing!!, thanks for this justin

[@BenZero13]

The Chats are absolutely brilliant, there’s still hope for music in 2022!

[@vernongrant3596]

These boys are a flash back life growing up in Australia in the 80s.

[@MrStonebeliever]

Love it Justin. You are quicly becomimg my go to channel. Keep up the great work. The Chats, Amyl and the Sniffers, and Viagra Boys are bringing something fresh and lonf overdue. You can add Slaeford Mods to that list to be honest

[@edwardallen1271]

Congrats on hitting 200K 👏

[@jefffloyd2141]

Excellent song and video. Simple ,yet a goddamn breath of great pink rock

[@DazzleRebel]

The Chats are awesome! 6L GTR and Pub Feed are my favourite tracks 🤘🏼

[@beanie1089]

Smoko is a song that you cant help but listen to with giant stupid smile on your face. Haha! It's just f%$#ing awesome!!!

[@Dreyno]

I stumbled across this a few years ago and loved it. Forgot about it and them. Thanks for the reminder.

[@wellsleythewizard]

FUCK yes!!! the chats are incredible!!! bring these guys on tour with you!!

[@ottomattix86]

This is a really good song. I watched the video somehow years ago and was hooked. The video is also fantastic. Overall band is solid imo

[@davidhitsdrums]

2:02 is a gem of a moment

[@rtydingco]

Thank you for recommending NEW bands/Artists....If I wasn't so broke right now I would definitely pledge some money on Patreon. Star Crawler (Your recommendation) and now these guys, Awesome!!!

[@NoCoverCharge]

Thank god for the Chats !!! Love these guys

[@johnnyjohnsonmusic]

The chats are class, check out their songs "ac/dc CD" and "I've been drunk in every bar in Brisbane, you should give the band Snot a listen too, they're pretty awesome too.

[@StrangeDevice]

This may just be my favorite band that you’ve introduced me to. Also, it’s always hard to know what makes its way across the pond and what doesn’t. Glad to know you’re well-versed in the ways of Kenny Fuckin Powers. Vice Principals and Mighty Gemstones are also brilliant, in case you get the chance to watch.

[@Apoll022]

Fukin love the chats! Thyre 'I don't give a shit' approach to writing is amazing

[@arthurperez4884]

Took a deep dive one day at work in my earbuds and listened to their whole catalog and its all brilliant.

[@bimscutney1242]

“Fundamentals are for the talentless.” Kenny Powers. That riff launched thousands of punk songs. And I love it.

[@NickyDiamond44]

“I play real sports. Not trying to be the best at working out.”

[@mat7966]

It's amazing to go from Smoko to a song like Struck By Lightning. The Chats gained like 20 years of punk experience in 5. They can write some seriously good punk tunes now. Maybe their best, most clever song is Price of Smokes. Such a great build to maybe my favorite punk ending of all time.

[@SerenityChaos1975]

Because they tour with and spend lots of time with The Cosmic Psychos who have been making this music for over 30 years

[@brianvolpe3242]

The Chats are awesome!! I discovered them 3 years ago and been hooked. They will revive punk!!

[@jackoakes1998]

Found the chats a few years back they're really starting pop off now getting tours in north America you really love to see it

[@TheBrunosalmacis]

Justin you need to hear "go to school " from the Lemon twigs ! Its amazing and super theatrical ! You will love

[@colina1330]

The Chats are one of my favourite newer rock bands. Good, fast punk tunes without an ounce of pretentiousness. The future of punk rock is snotty and Australian. You should definitely check out their cover of Psycho Killer with Genesis Owusu on vocals.

[@willgoodchild4343]

Was going to suggest you do the chats glad you did!

[@grebonatiproductions7604]

I discovered The Chats a great while ago courtesy of Smoko. They are brilliant. Also is great you released this on the same day The Chats released their new Album Get F****d. Keep up the great work Justin. 🤘😜🤘

[@johnbgriffinjr116]

Justin… my respect for you continued to grow post after post… your appreciation for King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard was appreciated but now a nod to The Chats? Phenomenal!!!!!

[@grebonatiproductions7604]

Has he experienced PowderFinger yet? Or WolfMother

[@johnbgriffinjr116]

@@grebonatiproductions7604 …. I think he’d find a kinship with Wolfmother. Definitely his style ✌🏼

[@CeeJayDee94]

Hopefully Sticky Fingers are next 🤞🏻

[@sunshineroth9605]

Looove the Chats! I learned of them from Amyl & The Sniffers. The Chats ROCK! Edit: speaking of Smoko, I do hope you're doing well in your quitting!? Cheers!

[@mickjoG]

hilarious:.. great breakdown of The Chats, Justin… Geelong, AUSTRALIA 🇦🇺

[@justinbennett4241]

Kick ass channel Justin. I love the Chats. Saw them live supporting the Strokes here in Melb a month ago. Was a pisser of a performance.

[@chrishexx3360]

The Chats are awesome. Australia has a great crop of bands right now.

[@CeeJayDee94]

Hope he gives Sticky Fingers a go!🤞🏻

[@sg-go5li]

A song that clearly defines the Beauty and Decline of the Australian culture. This is punk…. Re-personified.

[@EchoBravo370]

or maybe is it its Ugliness and Accent? Or all of the above?

[@edwardfordyce6174]

Again, mentally I'm in a bad place, but Mr. Hawkins always finds a way to keep me going. Please keep going and in a perfect world these episodes would be way longer. Thank you, Mr. Hawkins

[@bluesoulsession]

These guys are from the Sunshine Coast here in Queensland, Australia and their simple lyrics evoke Australian culture brilliantly.

[@jakedixonvideodiary]

The ozzie rock scene has been the best in the world for the last 5 years or so, you are just skimming the surface! Similar to this, Rancid Eddie - Chai Latte, is the most Australian thing you will ever see - culture summarised perfectly. And then the likes of Sticky Fingers, Lime Cordiale, Polish Club, Ocean Alley, Tash Sultana etc. the list goes on! Unbelievable and incredibly underrated scene

[@caneyebus]

Seem to be doing far and away better than here in the US.

[@Sophie_Pea]

Yessss. Don’t forget Courtney Barnett, amyl and the sniffers, Julia jacklin, phantastic ferniture

[@Alpha_7227]

Spacey Jane

[@kim_here]

Love this! I have been on a serious dive into Australian rock music as of late. So much good stuff, these folks are charming as fuck. I can hear some west coast America (Rocket from the Crypt, Hot Snakes, etc etc) influences in a lot of these bands and I love that, too. I will say it again, Gareth Liddiard, Aussie, deserves your attention. I don't mean to give him all of the credit for his brilliant bands, but The Drones, Tropical Fuck Storm, Springtime are some. MOD CON is fun and has another member of Tropical F S. The Peep Tempel is another Aussie band that has some interesting stuff. It is all too much to mention, just plug one of these bands in and let the algorithms work their magic.

[@andrewt836]

Me too but I just got stuck listening to the cosmic psychos. Fucking amazing stuff

[@timmcgrath676]

Buffalo Freedom

[@alaciariley8142]

Justin, please mention more new punk bands! I am obsessed with the Chats now!! And I would have missed out completely without your channel. Many thanks!!

[@matthewcoughtrey8383]

Saw the chats a few years ago in Bristol, spent half the gig trying to put my shoes back on, as they were getting trapped under the feet of many tightly packed and excitedly bouncing punk partakers. Excellent gig, one of the best I’ve been to!