What do you get when you mix a bluesy instrumental surf rock band with one of Australia's most charismatic frontmen? The Cruel Sea.

Tex Perkins was working as the band's lighting technician when he was invited to write and sing with the group. He joined full-time for their mainstream breakthrough third album The Honeymoon Is Over, which turns 30 this month.

Fusing surf pop with dirty blues, dub and reggae rhythms and a good wallop of rock ‘n’ roll, this Sydney band quickly earned a reputation as one of Australia’s best and most energetic live acts, playing both the smallest pubs and the biggest festivals.

Dive into this episode of The J Files for the stories behind making their six studio albums, raucous live shows, stolen ARIA trophies, troubled relationships with mainstream success and good old fashioned rock 'n' roll.