Girl Monstar release new protest single ‘Hate Train’ as teaser for upcoming album ‘GRRRR!!’
Girl Monstar has breathed new life into their extensive music collection with the release of their latest single, Hate Train. This powerful rock track serves as a direct challenge to the oppressive nature of corporate exploitation and the misuse of power. Set to be part of their upcoming album GRRRR!!, due for release on 27 January 2026 through Vicious Kitten Records, Hate Train is available on various platforms, with the exception of Spotify, as the band stands against organizations that support weapons technology.
Reviving their signature sound, the Melbourne-based quartet delivers a punch with Hate Train, a collaborative effort by Sherry Rich, Ros Zimmerman, and Anne McCue. This track exudes the same rebellious spirit that propelled Girl Monstar to fame as one of Australia’s leading all-female bands in the late 1980s. Fueled by a pulsating rhythm and poignant lyrics that tackle issues of corporate supremacy in today’s chaotic world, the song features Sherry Rich on vocals and guitar, Anne McCue on lead guitar, Janene Abbott on bass, and Sue Shaw on drums.
Following the release of Blue Cat With Green Eyes earlier this year, Girl Monstar continues to make waves after a 35-year hiatus. Both Hate Train and Blue Cat With Green Eyes are immediately accessible to those who pre-order GRRRR!! on Bandcamp. Additionally, a short documentary tracing the band’s influential journey as one of Australia’s early all-women rock groups has been unveiled on YouTube, offering a glimpse into their lasting impact.
Established in 1988, Girl Monstar quickly etched their mark on the music scene with over 200 electrifying performances across the nation. Sharing stages with renowned acts such as Iggy Pop, The Ramones, and Sonic Youth, the band solidified their reputation as a dynamic live act. Hits like Surfing On A Wave Of Love and Joe Cool dominated the Alternative charts, earning the band ARIA Award nominations. Their debut album Monstereo Delicio, released in 1992, marked the culmination of their initial run, culminating in a final performance at the debut Melbourne Big Day Out the following year.
While the band parted ways, members pursued individual paths that led to further musical success. Sherry Rich ventured into alt-country with The Grievous Angels and later explored songwriting in Nashville. Anne McCue’s musical journey took her to Los Angeles and Nashville, where she carved out a niche blending country, blues, and rock. Sue Shaw, known as Sue World, continued to thrive in Melbourne’s garage scene, while bassist Janene Abbott returned from the Northern Territory to rejoin the band.
With GRRRR!! on the horizon, Girl Monstar’s latest offerings serve as a testament to their enduring legacy and unflinching dedication to speaking out against injustice through their music. Hate Train represents just a taste of what’s to come from this pioneering group that continues to push boundaries and challenge the status quo.