Melbourne's beloved indie outfit, Cousin Tony's Brand New Firebird, are back with a resounding declaration of their artistry: the new single ‘My Ghost & Its Crawling’ and the upcoming album 'Rosewater Crocodile', due out on 10th July via Double Drummer. This latest offering solidifies their reputation as one of the East Coast's most compelling acts, showcasing an urgent, raw, and beautifully refined sound that fans have come to adore.
‘My Ghost & Its Crawling’ follows recent singles ‘Mercury Rising’ and ‘Rosewater,’ revealing frontman Lachlan Rose at a lyrical peak. The track is an emotionally charged journey, weaving vivid, surreal imagery into a slow-burning, cinematic soundscape. It’s a profound exploration of lingering memories and the enduring impact of past loves, resonating with a depth that immediately draws the listener in. The band expertly blends the reflective weight reminiscent of The National with the emotional swell of Matt Corby, all while maintaining their distinct melodic ambition and lyrical vulnerability.
Rose explains the song's genesis, stating: “’My Ghost & Its Crawling’ explores the haunting nature of memory, and the forms that significant people assume within our own psyches. In some ways I think people from our past live inside us as very real, living, breathing entities. They can be talked with, argued with, listened to and loved, for better or for worse. In my experience, no matter how hard you exorcise those spirits, they can still be heard crawling around in the attics and the garrets and the nooks and in the hallways of your heart. This song is sung from the perspective of such a spirit.”
'Rosewater Crocodile' promises to be one of the band’s most poignant and open records yet. It's an album that effortlessly blends expertly crafted melodies and harmonies, as heard on tracks like ‘Rosewater’ and ‘Mango Season,’ with a rhythmic broodiness that will appeal to fans of The National, particularly on songs such as ‘Flee The Cage,’ ‘Jane Bear,’ and ‘Rest.’ This collection represents a unique chapter in the band's artistic evolution, a confident fusion of matured lyricism and intricate arrangements.
Rose offered a glimpse into the album's creation: “The album was recorded on Dja Dja Wurrung Country inside a beautiful chapel on Josh’s property, a couple of hours from the city. Most of the time it was utterly freezing but we ran with kangaroos in the frosty woods some mornings, ate his wife Marta’s outrageous pumpkin pie, and warmed our hands by the fireplace so we felt dextrous enough to play instruments. One thing that stands out to me is how little music we listened to while we made this album. When people ask what it sounds like, I don’t really know what to tell them - other than maybe Phil Collins' original soundtrack for Disney’s Tarzan.”
'Rosewater Crocodile' will be available digitally and on vinyl via Impressed from 10th July, followed by an Australian headline tour throughout July and August. Tickets are already in high demand, so grab yours quickly to experience Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird at their exhilarating best.
