The Waifs

Formed in Western Australia in the early ’90s, The Waifs favour harmony-tinted Americana that encompasses dusky country, heartfelt folk and acoustic-driven roots rock. Sisters Donna Simpson and Vikki Thorn cut their teeth in pubs playing Bob Dylan and Everly Brothers covers. Guitarist Joshua Cunningham soon joined the duo, who changed their name from Colours to The Waifs, and the troupe moved to Melbourne and released a self-titled debut album in 1996. Two more full-lengths followed before the band’s 2003 ARIA-award-winning breakthrough, Up All Night, reached the Top 5 of the Australian charts and led to tour dates opening for Dylan. Since then, The Waifs have maintained a high profile in their home country thanks to hit singles (2004’s acoustic “Bridal Train”, 2007’s sinewy, bluesy “Sundirtwater”) and well-received albums, such as the 2017 release Ironbark.