Sick Puppies, the alt-rockers originally from Sydney, Australia, are coming to Orange County.  They will play the Galaxy Theatre in Santa Ana on March 19 along with Janus. The band continues to support their third studio album, "Tri-Polar," released in July 2009 by their record label RMR/Virgin/EMI.

The hard rock trio is known for their incredible on-stage energy and staggering sound that is fueled by frontman Shimon Moore's incredible vocals and awesome fretwork, along with the solid work of bassist Emma Anzai and hard hitting beats from Orange County native Mark Goodwin on the drums.

The band was originally formed in 1997 by Shimon Moore and Emma Anzai who met in the music room at Mosman High School in Sydney, Australia.  They shared a mutual love for Silverchair songs and soon found themselves jamming together on Rage Against the Machine and Green Day songs.  Eventually the pair began to write their own material.  Chris Mileski joined as the band's drummer.  The band's name Sick Puppies was adopted after a neighbor's dog wandered into the garage where the band was rehearsing and threw up all over their equipment.  One of their groupies quipped "that's one sick puppy" and the name stuck.

With financial help from Moore's father, Sick Puppies released "Dog's Breakfast," their debut EP.  That was followed up in 2001 with the release of "Welcome To The Real World," their first studio album.  The set was a big hit in Australia.  As the band started to gain some momentum and notoriety, Moore and Anzai made the decision to relocate to Los Angeles.  Their drummer Chris Mileski wasn't able to leave Australia.  Moore and Anzai placed an ad on Craigslist and found current drummer Mark Goodwin to replace Mileski.

In 2007 Sick Puppies released "Dressed Up As Life," their second studio album.  The set debuted on Billboard's 200 chart at No. 181.  "All The Same" was their breakout single.  It reached No. 8 on the US Modern Rock chart and was also the Free Hugs campaign's soundtrack.  It won YouTube's Video of the Year award in 2006.  The video has had more than 50 million views on YouTube.  The second single from the album, "My World," peaked at No. 20.

Sick Puppies went back into the recording studio in December 2008 to work on their third studio album.  The "Dressed Up As Life" producing team of Tim James and Antonina Armato of Rock Mafia returned.  They created a sound together reflecting the last four years of whirlwind activity spent on the fast lane of rock and roll, including the grueling grind that comes from touring. The band has spent the last few years honing their skills to become a finely tuned powerhouse machine that was ready to release all of their triumphs, frustrations and anger built up from the countless hours spent on the road.  "Tri-Star" was released in July 2009.

The latest album from the Sick Puppies draws on their powerful live performances and experiences on the road. 

Frontman Shimon Moore said of their new album, "we wanted a big sounding record that would connect with live audiences.  We just stuck with what we knew worked from playing over the last few years." 

Bassist Emma Anzai added, "our whole spirit comes together when we're onstage.  When we get ready to go out there, we're like the gladiators entering the arena."

Be sure to check out the Sick Puppies at the Galaxy Theatre, along with Janus on March 19.  Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 on the day of the show.  Doors open at 6 pm and the show starts at 8 pm.

For more information visit the Sick Puppies or Galaxy Theatre websites