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COUSIN TONY’S
BRAND NEW FIREBIRD 
make blistering return
with new track
‘MY GHOST & ITS CRAWLING’

New album
ROSEWATER CROCODILE
out July 10th 

VIA DOUBLE DRUMMER

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PRAISE

“Delivered through deep vocals and instrumentals that range from the cosmically whirring synth to soothing melodicas, there’s no denying that there’s a unique comfort that emanates from the sepia-tinged offering.” LIVEWIRE AU

“Its celebratory themes are matched by its soundscape, wherein noodly, emo-esque guitars are elevated by a jubilant horn section, shimmery vocal harmonies and gentle, yet impactful taps of a tambourine.” NME

“Deep inside every track is an element of optimism and romanticism, albeit a world view seen through the bottom of a whiskey glass in a late night red velvet lounge where a spark of hope glimmers in the opaque smoky air. CTBNF have cornered the market in sonic euphoria.” BACKSEAT MAFIA

“The band is a treasure-trove of talent.” THE AU REVIEW

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Melbourne indie darlings Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird return with ‘My Ghost & Its Crawling’ — a brooding and poetic new track released Friday, June 6. Taken from the band’s forthcoming record, Rosewater Crocodile, the latest offering from the group is urgent, raw and refined: perfectly encompassing the musical traits that have made Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird one of the East Coast’s best.

Following on from recent singles ‘Mercury Rising’ and ‘Rosewater’, ‘My Ghost & Its Crawling’ sees frontman and songwriter Lachlan Rose at a fresh and raw lyrical peak. Emotionally charged, the single weaves surreal imagery into a slow-burning, cinematic soundscape, as it explores lingering spectres of memory and love.

Sonically, the track recalls the reflective weight of The National, and the emotional swell of Matt Corby — but remains distinctly Cousin Tony’s in its melodic ambition and lyrical vulnerability. Says Rose of the song, ‘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”. Lachlan Rose, Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird

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Rosewater Crocodile, itself, is one of the band’s most open and poignant records to date. An album that flourishes of expertly-delivered melody and harmonies (‘Rosewater’, ‘Mango Season’) as it does with the rhythmic broodiness that fans of The National will love (‘Flee The Cage’, ‘Jane Bear’, ‘Rest’), Rosewater Crocodile is a beautiful fusion of matured lyricism and confident arrangements. For Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird, this is an album that represents an unique chapter of their artistry.

“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” – Lachlan Rose, Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird

Since Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird made their emphatic entry with debut album Electric Brown in 2018, the band wasted no time in releasing music that consistently showed elevation and a masonic curiosity to expand their sonic vision. To date, they have released three albums in Electric Brown (2018), New Romancer (2019) and Smiles of Earth (2022) – Rosewater Crocodile is set to be the next exciting addition to an ever-powerful catalogue of music.

With their prolific output and constant touring, Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird have built a devoted following in their homeland. They’ve sold out shows across massive headline tours and have played at numerous festivals including Falls Festival, Loch Hart, Happy Wanderer, NYE on the Hill and Beyond the Valley and now they are ready to be back in the van; “The tour has been a long time coming. We’re at our happiest in a van together on a 10 hour drive. But the show at the end of the ride always transcends that feeling. We’re so humbled by the joyous, nurturing and cathartic essence of the crowds that come to Cousin Tony shows. To be immersed so regularly in them is a true pleasure and one we’ll be seeking out as long as we live. Special mentions to our treasured saxophonist Oliver Whitehead who is returning from living overseas straight into our tour van. Happy days.” Lachlan Rose, Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird

Rosewater Crocodile will be released digitally and on vinyl (via Impressed) on Friday July 10th, followed by an Australian headline tour in July and August. Tickets are on sale now and moving quickly.

TOUR DATES

Friday July 25 The Corner Hotel Melbourne
Saturday August 2 The Ed Castle Adelaide
Saturday August 9 Oxford Art Factory Sydney
Tuesday August 12 The Brightside Brisbane

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AMNPLIFY – DB