Australian indie-pop quartet The Tullamarines have made a striking impression on their debut appearance at the triple j studio, delivering a standout rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s timeless classic, “The Chain,” for the popular Like A Version segment.
The band—comprised of Angus Purvis, Lucinda Machin, Josh, and Benny—masterfully navigated the track’s intricate shifts in mood. They expertly wove vocal harmonies through the song’s more intimate sections before erupting into the legendary, bass-heavy climax that defines the original. While staying true to the soul of the 1977 masterpiece, the group infused the performance with their signature four-part vocal layering. During the same session, they also treated listeners to a performance of their original single, “Running On Empty.”
Taking on such a high-stakes track was a daunting prospect for the group. “We explored several options, but when ‘The Chain’ was suggested, we were genuinely intimidated,” vocalist Angus Purvis admitted in an interview with triple j. “There was a concern we wouldn’t be able to do it justice.” Co-vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Lucinda Machin noted that the band eventually chose to embrace the challenge, finding the song’s raw, emotive construction both challenging and deeply resonant.
It is easy to see why the band felt the pressure; “The Chain” remains the crown jewel of Fleetwood Mac’s seminal Rumours. The record itself is a titan of music history, having dominated the Billboard 200 for 31 weeks and achieving global sales exceeding 40 million copies. Though never released as a primary single, the song has transcended its origins to become an essential piece of pop culture, frequently utilized in cinema and television.
The Tullamarines are currently enjoying a significant surge in momentum within the Australian independent music circuit. Their 2025 sophomore EP, Safety Blanket, has earned a nomination for Best Independent Pop Album or EP at the upcoming AIR Awards, scheduled for July 30 in Adelaide. Having spent the last year securing sold-out headline tours, festival spots, and consistent triple j airplay—while supporting acclaimed acts like The Vaccines and Everything Everything—the band shows no signs of slowing down.
