If there is one thing Toowoomba-based troubadour Ross Kessler understands after forty years in the game, it’s that life is far too short to take yourself too seriously. Fresh off the back of his coastal-infused legacy and his work with the infectious Garage Funk band, Ross returns in 2026 with ‘I Married A Shrink’, a ten-track collection that feels like a warm, sun-kissed hug for the soul. It is a genre-blurring journey that prioritises mental well-being and a light-hearted perspective, proving that sometimes the best therapy is found in a solid bassline and a bit of a laugh.
Ross has always been a bit of a musical magpie, snatching bits of jazz, funk, and blues to feather his nest, but here the storytelling feels particularly poignant. The record kicks off with ‘Forget About The Shrink’, a track that immediately establishes a sense of rustic serenity. Over a laid-back, sun-drenched groove, Ross sings with an earnest croon hits a relatable nerve with the line: "Well it seems to me, I’m heading for insanity, and that don’t seem like too much fun." It’s that exact blend of honesty and humour that makes the album so accessible; he isn't lecturing you from a pedestal, he's chatting with you over a beer at the Irish Club Hotel.
The album’s strength lies in its refusal to sit still. ‘Balance’ injects some brassy, funk-laden soul into the mix, while the previously celebrated ‘Laughter Is The Best Medicine’ serves as the record's rhythmic heartbeat, driven by a deliberate, nostalgic bassline that practically demands a foot-tap. For those who prefer a bit of grit, ‘If Ya Ain’t Living On The Edge’ pivots towards a bright country twang and stripped-back acoustic textures, showcasing Ross’ unique versatility as a guitarist.
As we reach the closing track, ‘Wonderfull’, the album settles into a tempered jazz glow, leaving the listener in a noticeably better mood than when they started. While it may lack the polished sheen or dynamic power of a big-budget studio production, that raw, authentic quality is exactly why it works. It’s an honest, quirky, and deeply positive record designed to give your mental health a lift.
In a world that often feels like it’s spinning out of control, Ross reminds us to ‘Use Your Imagination’ and just keep grooving. You can stream the new album today, and for more from Ross Kessler, be sure to join him on Facebook.
