Cincinnati-based rock band Orchid in the Ivy crashes onto the scene with a blistering cover of Midnight Oil’s iconic 1987 anthem, “Beds Are Burning.”

Where the original pulsed with the hallmarks of classic ‘80s modern rock—punchy gated drums, synth-brass flair, and a steady, mid-tempo groove—Orchid in the Ivy cranks up the tempo, injecting a raw, punk-rock urgency that reimagines the protest classic for a new generation.

“We wanted the cover to sound like us—more straightforward, with a punk rock edge,” says Brett Scharf, frontman and co-founder of the band. “The original was a lot slower, closer to five minutes; we cut it down to about three. Even though we amped it up, it still keeps that groove. I think it’s important to bring your own sound to a cover—otherwise, what’s the point of doing it the same?”

While the original track carried an unmistakably Australian message—spotlighting the displacement of Indigenous communities and land rights issues—its themes of justice, accountability, and environmental urgency still resonate today. What made Midnight Oil truly unforgettable was not just their sound but the purpose and intention that came with their music. In their own way, Orchid in the Ivy channels that same energy. Their cover isn’t just a tribute; it’s a reflection of their desire to bring something meaningful into the world. 

“Ivy grows all around my house and never seems to die,” says Scharf. “One day, I saw a flower blooming out of it—it stuck with me. It made me think that even among all this ivy, there can still be a bright spot. And in a sea of bands and sounds, maybe we can be that bright spot for someone.”

With Brett Scharf on vocals and guitar, Mark Schulti on drums, and Chris Saalfeld on bass, Orchid in the Ivy has already released two albums and two EPs—and they’re gearing up to drop a new five-song EP soon. But it’s their cover of “Beds Are Burning” that’s currently turning heads. Released on June 13, the track has quickly become a fan favorite and a staple in their live sets, making it only natural for the band to give it an official release alongside a new music video. As momentum builds, fans can expect more of the bold, signature sound that’s quickly defining the band’s identity.

“We’ve put a bit more of a push behind this one and feel like we’ve really locked into a sound we’re proud of,” says Scharf. “While this is a standalone single, we’re planning to release a new track from the upcoming EP every couple of months.”

As their name suggests, Orchid in the Ivy is rooted in resilience while always reaching for something more. The band came together in 2013, born out of necessity. Scharf had previously played in Spindle, a band that toured extensively with acts such as Fall Out Boy, Motion City Soundtrack, and Plain White T’s before eventually parting ways. Notably, Spindle performed at the 2003 SXSW ASCAP Showcase at the House of Blues.

After returning to his hometown, Scharf formed Rosemary Device, which garnered interest from indie powerhouse Victory Records before the label shut its doors. It was during this project that he met drummer Mark Schulti, who had been active in the Cincinnati scene with his former band Krinj.

While recording Rosemary Device’s second album in Scharf’s home studio, their lead singer left to pursue a new career in New York. With vocals wiped, Scharf stepped in to record a demo and realized they had something worth building on. To round out the trio, he brought in bassist Chris Saalfeld, and Orchid in the Ivy was born.

“We wanted to keep it simple as a three-piece,” says Scharf. “It’s easier to schedule with fewer people, and our sound feels a lot tighter that way.”

Orchid in the Ivy is a self-made band. Scharf runs his own studio, where the trio records all of their albums and EPs. He first started recording after struggling to find a producer or engineer who could truly capture the band’s sound. Having control of the process also gives them the freedom to experiment until each track lands exactly where they want it. However, Orchid in the Ivy is far from a typical rock band. Their style spans alternative, melodic, heavy, pop, progressive, and everything in between. Influences like Rise Against, Alkaline Trio, Brand New, Bayside, and Thrice all echo through their sound without ever boxing them in.

At the helm of the band, Scharf embodies Orchid in the Ivy’s fluid, genre-defying approach. “I’d describe myself as a songwriter first, guitarist second, and drummer third,” he says. “But I once heard a quote that stuck with me—every good songwriter secretly wants to be a drummer, which is true. As a writer, you need to have a sense of groove and know where you want to take the song.”

Orchid in the Ivy fans—and anyone drawn to rock, alt-metal, or genre-bending songwriting—can expect a new track from their upcoming EP to drop within the next six to eight weeks. A live performance is also in the works for October, where the band hopes to showcase both new material and their high-energy take on “Beds Are Burning.” In the meantime, stream their fiery reimagining of the Midnight Oil classic on all major platforms, and stay tuned across socials for what’s next.