Australian indie-pop group Sheppard have crushed midweek expectations to score their first-ever #1 album on the ARIA Albums chart this week with Watching The Sky.
The Brisbane band's second LP was predicted to debut inside the top five, however it cruised past that to land at top spot, beating Post Malone's Beerbongs & Bentleys at #2 and The Greatest Showman soundtrack at #3.
The placing follows Sheppard's debut record, Bombs Away, which peaked on the chart at #2 in 2014.
"This album has been over three years in the making and for it to reach the top is both satisfying and humbling," George Sheppard said.
"From years of recording, travelling the world, doing live shows and finally promoting the record across four states in the last week, it has been a long process and we’re just so glad that people are enjoying the album finally."
Amy Sheppard added, "When you craft an album like this, you hope that it will connect, but to have real people turn up to the record store or jump online and support us by buying the record is what really matters.
"Thank you to all our fans and those that have helped us on our journey. Our first number one album is such a special milestone for us… we’ll be celebrating tonight!"
It's also interesting to note that the #1 placing sees all five Australian albums that have reached top spot in 2018 come from independent labels — Sheppard (Chugg Music), Vance Joy's Nation Of Two (Liberation), Kylie Minogue's Golden (Mushroom), Dr G Yunupingu's Djarimirri (Skinnyfish) and Parkway Drive's Reverence (Resist).
"Sheppard have well and truly shown that even in the world of pop rock, independent is the way to go and it’s a sign that where Aussie music is concerned, the majors are well off the pace," Sheppard manager and Aussie music industry heavyweight, Michael Chugg, said.
"This year’s albums chart is proof positive that Australian fans want Australian music and if the corporate record and media industries can’t or won’t meet the demand, the indie scene is ready, willing and able to step up and carry the torch for our culture.”
Other new entries on the chart this week include Kanye West & Kid Cudi's collab, Kids See Ghost (#4), Lily Allen's No Shame (#8), Jorja Smith's Lost & Found (#13), Olivia Newton-John's Hopelessly Devoted: The Hits (#14), The Beach Boys' The Beach Boys With The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (#37) and Sugarland's Bigger (#64).
Meanwhile, 5 Seconds Of Summer have clinched top spot on the Singles chart for the fourth-straight week, holding out Post Malone's Better Now at #2 and Maroon 5's Girls Like You featuring Cardi B at #3.
New offerings on the list this week come from Peking Duk with Reprisal (#35) and Ruel with Dazed & Confused (#53).
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