Australian hard rock outfit Airbourne has unveiled its new single, “Kid In A Candy Store”, the latest preview of the band’s upcoming self-titled album, Airbourne, which is scheduled for release on August 28 through Spinefarm.
The track was produced by Brian Howes, who previously worked on Black Dog Barking. Recording duties were handled by Mike Fraser, known for his work on No Guts. No Glory and Breakin’ Outta Hell, while Zakk Cervini(Bring Me The Horizon, Architects, Evanescence) mixed the song. Mastering was completed by Ted Jensen.
“Kid In A Candy Store” follows a string of recent releases that introduced the new record. “Gutsy” arrived in spring 2025, signaling the beginning of a new chapter for Airbourne, before “Christmas Bonus” and “Alive After Death (Last Plane Out)” continued to build anticipation for the 12-track album. The latest single carries the same straight-ahead hard rock spirit, drawing inspiration from classic anthems such as Ac/Dc‘s “Whole Lotta Rosie”.
When Airbourne—Joel O’Keeffe (vocals/guitar), Ryan O’Keeffe (drums), Justin Street (bass) and Brett Tyrrell(guitar)—entered Music Farm Studio in southeastern Australia, the band approached the sessions with one clear objective: to create its strongest album to date while staying true to the no-frills hard rock approach that has defined its career.
Drummer Ryan O’Keeffe said: “We said, this is it, let’s make the oracle. And if we’re going to do it, no corner can be cut. Because if you cut a corner, you’re not going to pull it off.”
He added: “This record distils everything we stand for into one place. Everything we love. It’s the best album we could possibly have made.”
Frontman Joel O’Keeffe also shared his thoughts on the finished record: “It’s a rocket that we’ve been building and building, and we’ve filled it with this fuel, and we’re ready to light it up and let it go. Everything we are as a band, our heart and soul, is in this record.”
Recorded in Australia despite difficult weather conditions, hazardous wildlife and aging studio equipment, Airbournereflects the band’s determination to push itself further. The album also features songwriting contributions from Bryan Adams and renowned producer Mutt Lange on select tracks.
The announcement of the new record also came with a personal tribute to Lemmy, as Airbourne revealed the album through a heartfelt letter honoring the late Motörhead legend, who served as both a mentor and friend to the band.
Airbourne features the current lineup of Joel O’Keeffe, Ryan O’Keeffe, longtime bassist Justin Street and guitarist Brett Tyrrell, who recently joined the band on rhythm guitar.
