Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird are, unequivocally, a Melbourne band. “We’re deeply proud of that,” says frontman, chief songwriter and founding member Lachlan Rose. “Being part of the scene is a big part of our story.”

 

But word on the ‘bird has spread far beyond just Melbourne. Since releasing two acclaimed EPs (“Queen of Hearts” and “Melbourne Bitter”) and the debut album, “Electric Brown” (2018), Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird have built a devoted following nationally, selling out venues all around the country and appearing at festivals. They recently toured the UK, playing shows in London, Glasgow, Dublin, Manchester and The Great Escape festival in Brighton.

 

Landing less than a year after their first album, the band’s sophomore LP is ‘New Romancer’. The new record is Cousin Tony’s strongest and most cohesive work to date, while still retaining the incredible stylistic diversity that they are known for. Recorded between LA and Melbourne, it was produced and mixed by Matt Neighbour (The Avalanches, Courtney Barnett, Matt Corby).

 

These beautifully crafted songs have an air of both timelessness and uniqueness about them. Written in the wake of a painful breakup, at face value it seems like a heartbreak album. But scratch beneath the surface a little and it’s obvious there’s much more going on here. Rose explains that the album “explores the void that’s created after someone removes themselves from your life. A journey of decision-making in the pursuit of some higher, emotional transcendence rather than anger and regret."

 

With millions of streams already behind them, 4-5 star Unearthed reviews from the folks at triple j; and Matt Corby, Montaigne and Gang of Youths’ Dave Le’aupepe all having all previously sung their praises, it looks like the ‘bird is truly about to soar.

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