Australian indie-pop quartet The Tullamarines have cemented their place on the year’s most anticipated covers list with their rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s iconic track, "The Chain," during their inaugural appearance on triple j’s renowned "Like A Version" segment. The performance, which also featured the band’s original song "Running On Empty," showcased The Tullamarines’ sophisticated musicianship and their ability to reimagine a rock classic for a contemporary audience. Vocalist Angus Purvis admitted to significant apprehension surrounding the song choice, a sentiment echoed by the band as they navigated the profound legacy of the Fleetwood Mac original.
A Bold Choice with Significant Stakes
The decision to cover "The Chain," a cornerstone of Fleetwood Mac’s legendary 1977 album Rumours, was not made lightly. "We had a lot of songs that we were thinking about," Purvis revealed in an accompanying interview with triple j. "The Chain came up as an option, and we were very, very scared." This trepidation stemmed from the song’s immense cultural weight and the potential for listeners to hold it to an impossibly high standard. "And they were thinking we couldn’t do that justice," Purvis added, referencing the internal band discussions and external perceptions that fueled their apprehension.
Lucinda Machin, co-vocalist and multi-instrumentalist for The Tullamarines, described the band’s ultimate decision to proceed as a leap of faith. "We just decided to give it a go, see what happens," she explained. Machin characterized the song’s lyrical content and its powerful, almost confrontational structure as "very angsty," a quality that resonated with the band and informed their approach. Purvis further underscored the song’s enduring presence, remarking that "The Chain" feels as though it has "been around forever," a testament to its timeless appeal and its integral role in the musical landscape.
Reinterpreting a Masterpiece: The Tullamarines’ Approach
The Tullamarines’ rendition of "The Chain" demonstrated a deep respect for the original’s emotional arc and structural integrity, while simultaneously injecting their own distinctive sonic identity. The quartet, comprised of Angus Purvis, Lucinda Machin, Josh, and Benny, expertly navigated the song’s dynamic shifts. They began by trading ethereal harmonies across its more introspective passages, creating an atmosphere of vulnerability and introspection. This delicate opening built towards the song’s iconic, thunderous bass-driven breakdown, a moment of raw power that the band amplified with their collective energy.
The arrangement remained faithful to the spirit of Fleetwood Mac’s original composition, particularly in its commitment to showcasing the power of vocal interplay. The Tullamarines’ signature four-part vocal blend took centre stage, weaving intricate harmonies that added a new layer of depth to the familiar melodies. This approach allowed the band to honor the song’s inherent drama without resorting to mere imitation. The performance culminated in a full-blown, extended jam session, a testament to the band’s improvisational prowess and their ability to translate the raw energy of a rock anthem into a live, evolving musical experience. The inclusion of their original track, "Running On Empty," further highlighted their versatility and songwriting capabilities within the same session.
The Enduring Legacy of "The Chain" and Rumours
The significance of "The Chain" extends far beyond its immediate musical impact. The song is a pivotal track from Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours, an album that remains one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed records in music history. Released in 1977, Rumours spent an astonishing 31 weeks at the No. 1 position on the Billboard 200 chart, securing its place among the longest-running chart-toppers in the chart’s storied existence. Worldwide sales for Rumours have surpassed 40 million copies, cementing its status as one of the best-selling albums ever recorded.
While "The Chain" was not released as a standalone single, its distinct sound and potent lyrical themes have ensured its enduring recognition. It has become an indelible part of Fleetwood Mac’s catalogue, frequently sampled, referenced, and utilized across various media, including film, television, and sporting events. The decades since its release have seen it become a subject of countless covers and reinterpretations, a testament to its sonic and emotional resonance. The Tullamarines’ participation in this ongoing tradition underscores the song’s timeless appeal and its ability to inspire new generations of musicians.
The Tullamarines’ Ascent in the Australian Music Scene
The Tullamarines’ appearance on "Like A Version" arrives at a significant moment in their burgeoning career. The indie-pop four-piece has been steadily building momentum within the Australian independent music scene. Their 2025 sophomore EP, Safety Blanket, has garnered critical acclaim and earned a nomination for Best Independent Pop Album or EP at this year’s AIR Awards. The winners will be announced at an exclusive, invite-only ceremony scheduled to take place at Adelaide Town Hall on July 30th.
The past twelve months have seen The Tullamarines achieve significant milestones. They have sold out headline shows across the country, graced the stages of major festivals, and secured full rotation on triple j, Australia’s national youth radio station. Their profile has also been elevated through supporting international acts such as The Vaccines and Everything Everything, exposing them to wider audiences and further solidifying their reputation as a compelling live act. This sustained period of growth and recognition positions The Tullamarines as a band on a clear upward trajectory, poised for continued success.
Context of "Like A Version"
"Like A Version" is a segment produced by triple j, a national radio station in Australia that targets a youth audience. Since its inception in 2004, the segment has become a cultural institution in Australian music, inviting artists from diverse genres to perform live, acoustic versions of their songs or, more famously, to cover songs by other artists. The segment is highly anticipated by both musicians and listeners, often generating significant discussion and viral content. Artists are encouraged to put their unique spin on the chosen cover, leading to a wide array of creative interpretations. The success of a "Like A Version" performance can significantly boost an artist’s profile, and many covers have gone on to achieve widespread popularity, sometimes even surpassing the recognition of the original tracks. The decision by The Tullamarines to tackle such a monumental song as "The Chain" speaks to their ambition and their confidence in their artistic capabilities. The segment’s reach ensures that their rendition will be heard by a broad spectrum of music fans, both within Australia and internationally.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The Tullamarines’ performance of "The Chain" for "Like A Version" serves as more than just a cover song; it is a statement of artistic intent and a demonstration of their ability to engage with musical history on their own terms. Their willingness to confront a song as iconic as "The Chain" and to imbue it with their own distinct vocal arrangements and instrumental dynamics suggests a band that is unafraid to take creative risks. This approach is likely to resonate with their existing fanbase and attract new listeners who appreciate artists who can reinterpret classics with both reverence and originality.
The nomination for the AIR Awards further solidifies The Tullamarines’ position as a significant force in the Australian independent music landscape. Their sustained success in securing high-profile support slots, achieving radio play, and selling out shows indicates a growing maturity and professionalisation within the band. As they continue to release new music and embark on further tours, their experience with "Like A Version" will undoubtedly contribute to their growing reputation. The performance offers a compelling preview of their evolving sound and their capacity to captivate audiences with both their original material and their imaginative reinterpretations of beloved songs. The future for The Tullamarines appears bright, marked by a blend of critical acclaim, commercial momentum, and a clear artistic vision.
