Spiderbait – Ivy And The Big Apples (30th Anniversary Red/Black Splatter Vinyl LP)

Spiderbait – Ivy And The Big Apples (30th Anniversary Red/Black Splatter Vinyl LP) celebrates three decades of one of Australia's most influential alternative rock albums. Originally released in 1996, Ivy And The Big Apples is the breakthrough third studio album from Spiderbait, featuring the iconic singles Buy Me A Pony, Calypso and Hot Water & Milk. Blending explosive punk energy, irresistible pop melodies and the band's unmistakable sense of humour, it remains a landmark recording in Australian music history.

Formed in Finley, New South Wales, Spiderbait developed their distinctive sound around the musical chemistry of drummer and vocalist Kram, bassist and vocalist Janet English and guitarist Damian Whitty. Their combination of raw guitar riffs, unconventional rhythms, contrasting vocals and playful experimentation helped establish them as one of Australia's most original alternative rock bands.

By the mid-1990s, Spiderbait had become an important part of Australia's thriving independent music scene. With Ivy And The Big Apples, the trio transformed their energetic live sound into a collection of songs that balanced noisy experimentation with remarkably catchy songwriting.

The album's defining moment is Buy Me A Pony, a furious burst of distorted guitars, driving drums and confrontational lyrics. The song made Australian music history when it became the first Australian song to reach number one in triple j's Hottest 100, topping the 1996 countdown. Its success helped introduce Spiderbait to a much wider audience and established the band as a major force in Australian alternative rock.

Opening track Chest Hair immediately captures the band's unpredictable energy, combining heavy guitar work with their characteristic humour. Hot Water & Milk follows with a more melodic approach, showcasing Janet English's distinctive vocals and the band's ability to balance alternative rock intensity with accessible pop songwriting.

When Fusion Ruled The Earth explores Spiderbait's more experimental side, while Calypso delivers one of the album's most memorable performances. Featuring English on lead vocals, its infectious melody and energetic arrangement helped make it an enduring favourite of Australian alternative radio.

The first side continues with the restless energy of Goin' Off, the quirky character of Don't Kill Nipper and the guitar-driven intensity of Horschack Army. Conjunctivitis closes the side with another example of the band's willingness to combine unusual musical ideas with raw rock energy.

Side B opens with Joyce's Hut, continuing the album's distinctive blend of punk, alternative rock and offbeat songwriting. Jasper and Goosh demonstrate the trio's tight musicianship and adventurous arrangements, while Should Have Done What My Mum Always Told Me To captures their irreverent personality.

The closing stretch features Hey, Hawaiian Nights and Driving Up The Ceiling, bringing together the melodic, experimental and energetic qualities that make the album so distinctive. Across its sixteen tracks, Ivy And The Big Apples remains an engaging and unpredictable listening experience.

Upon release, the album debuted in the ARIA Top 3, achieved double platinum certification and remained in the Australian Top 50 for almost a year. Its success helped define the sound of Australian alternative rock during the 1990s, alongside a generation of influential local bands.

Three decades later, Ivy And The Big Apples remains an essential Australian rock album. Its combination of punk aggression, alternative rock experimentation, memorable melodies and unmistakable Australian character continues to resonate with longtime fans and new listeners alike.

This special 2026 30th Anniversary Edition presents the complete original sixteen-track album on striking red and black splatter vinyl. The distinctive coloured pressing celebrates the album's enduring legacy and makes an eye-catching addition to any Australian alternative rock collection.

Due to the nature of the splatter vinyl manufacturing process, each record has its own unique colour pattern, and the appearance may vary slightly from the product images.

Whether you're rediscovering the album or adding an Australian classic to your collection for the first time, this anniversary pressing is a fantastic way to experience Spiderbait at their breakthrough peak.

Supplied brand new and sealed.

Available from Heathen Records, your independent Australian online record store specialising in new and collectible vinyl.

Details

• Artist: Spiderbait
• Album: Ivy And The Big Apples
• Format: Vinyl LP
• Edition: 30th Anniversary Edition (2026)
• Vinyl Colour: Red and Black Splatter
• Original Album Release: 1996
• Anniversary Reissue: 3 July 2026
• Genre: Australian Alternative Rock / Punk Rock / Indie Rock
• Record Label: Universal Music Australia
• Catalogue Number: 5753907
• Barcode: 0199957539074
• Country of Artist Origin: Australia
• Tracks: 16
• Condition: Brand New and Sealed

Tracklist

Side A

• A1 Chest Hair
• A2 Hot Water & Milk
• A3 Buy Me A Pony
• A4 When Fusion Ruled The Earth
• A5 Calypso
• A6 Goin' Off
• A7 Don't Kill Nipper
• A8 Horschack Army
• A9 Conjunctivitis

Side B

• B1 Joyce's Hut
• B2 Jasper
• B3 Goosh
• B4 Should Have Done What My Mum Always Told Me To
• B5 Hey
• B6 Hawaiian Nights
• B7 Driving Up The Ceiling