Melbourne's indie darlings, Cousin Tony's Brand New Firebird, have unleashed their highly anticipated fourth studio album, 'Rosewater Crocodile', via Double Drummer. This latest offering is a truly cohesive and immersive journey, built on a foundation of intricate sounds and poignant lyrics that will resonate deeply with long-time fans and newcomers alike. With accompanying tour dates slated for July and August, it's an exciting time to dive into the world of CTBNF.
From the very first listen, 'Rosewater Crocodile' establishes itself as a vibrant, yet emotionally charged record. Singles like 'My Ghost & Its Crawling', 'Rosewater', and 'Mercury Rising' offer a glimpse into the album's remarkable ability to seamlessly blend moments of brooding introspection with bursts of infectious musicality. For those who've followed the band since their 2015 beginnings, this album feels like a natural and fitting evolution of the distinctive Cousin Tony sound. And for new listeners? Consider this your perfect introduction to a truly unique band.
The magic of 'Rosewater Crocodile' was brewed within the serene confines of a chapel in Mollogghip, Victoria. Produced by CTBNF's own Lachlan Rose alongside Josh Barber (known for his work with Georgia Fields and Queenie), the album sees the band delve into the complexities of human connection. Themes of relationships ('Rosewater', 'My Ghost & Its Crawling') intertwine with explorations of the human condition's grand mysteries ('Flee The Cage', 'Crocodile', 'Mercury Rising'). The sonic palette is rich and inviting, with horns and strings gracefully weaving through warm, textural rhythms from the bass and guitar. Striking backing vocals perfectly complement Lachlan Rose's lead, whose yearning tone provides an intimate and profound lens through which these narratives unfold.
As Lachlan Rose himself explains the creative process, it's clear the band embraced a philosophy of letting go. "The more songs I write, and the more we bring them to life as a band, the more we learn to let go. David Lynch described the process of creativity as sinking. Below the ripples and the waves lies a dark ocean of ideas (or fish). The longer you train yourself to sink down there, the bigger and the stranger and the more dangerous the creatures become. The rosewater crocodile was what I found down there. It’s a world of exotic jungles, singing ghosts, recalcitrant fairies, dream bears and winding rivers that fizz with iridescent, oily bubbles. Or as our producer Josh Barber described it - ‘a magic album about magic.’"
This vivid imagery from Rose perfectly encapsulates the ethereal yet grounded nature of 'Rosewater Crocodile'. It's an album that invites you to sink into its depths, promising a captivating and rewarding listening experience. Don't miss the chance to catch Cousin Tony's Brand New Firebird live as they bring this enchanting new material to stages across Australia throughout July and August.
