Cedarsmoke has today dropped their new single titled ‘Kicking Drugs’, as a preview of things to come, with their upcoming third album, releasing soon.
A solid mix of pop and indie folk rock, ‘Kicking Drugs’ is a showcase for the lyrics with a sublimely powerful beat driving the chord progression. This is one of those types of tracks that artists use as a ‘showcase track’. Something to let you know what they are about. And it works. It feels like an introduction to something different and new.
The mix is solid and fits the track. While it chugs along, it feels like a journey as much as a song. Almost quietly anthemic. The duality and diversity of the guitars are the hidden gems. Taking the contrast between them and making it their signature.
My only complaint is that this song is all too short.
Check out our other features with Cedarsmoke HERE.
About ‘Kicking Drugs’
With years of experience under their belt since their first releases in 2016, Cedarsmoke has attracted a flurry of attention from Meanjin/Brisbane’s indie scene, radio stations with their hundreds of plays, and iconic music platforms such as Triple J, Triple J Unearthed, Double J, MTV, Pilerats, The Music, AU Review, AAA Backstage, Hysteria Mag, Scenestr and more.
Their constant evolution, diverse style, and emphasis on storytelling evoke vivid childhood memories, teenage antics, and precious nights out, and this nostalgia will blend together with the rush of something new as they prepare to usher out their third full-length album.
‘Kicking Drugs’ is a genre-fluid fusion: alt rock, pop-electronica, avant-garde psychedelic sounds, and the nostalgic charm of folk blend together into something experimental but classic. With cheerful drum loops, acoustic guitars, blown-out synths, and whirling keys, this sobering track feels like a fresh start after kicking an old habit.
The nostalgia and hope for the future of the song lend themselves to the lyrics, all about breaking free of the shackles of life with good times with friends, and sharing these new experiences together. The unbridled, sunlit spirit of the band takes on a new dynamic as Frontman Jon Cloumassis, Tamala Wright (drums/vocals), and Matt Cloumassis (lead guitar) explore and experiment together, opening portals to new worlds of soundscapes.
Cedarsmoke has always been Jon Cloumassis’s project in any form it takes, and this new era of group-focused music ushers in a new era of musical opportunity. Both psychedelic and psychological, ‘Kicking Drugs’ embodies this new era. Cedarsmoke says,
“Influenced by Jungian Colour Psychology, Kicking Drugs is orange – the colour symbolising vitality, stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing new experiences.”
About Cedarsmoke
Cedarsmoke is a Brisbane/Meanjin-based Indie-folk-rock band. With a lyric-driven approach to songwriting, Cedarsmoke uses a range of rock, alt-country, folk, and psychedelic sounds to adorn their bittersweet narratives and melodies. Originally formed in 2016 by singer-songwriter Jon Cloumassis, the band has been prolific in their output, with 4 EPs and 2 LPs, each with diverse lyrical and musical themes.
Releasing their debut indie-rock-influenced album, Into the Wild World (2021), they followed up with the folkier The Great & The Terrible (2023). As they prepare to usher out their third full-length album, the band takes on a new dynamic with members Tamala Wright (drums/vocals) and Matt Cloumassis (lead guitar) as they now explore experimental and otherworldly soundscapes.
Featured image by Thomas Oliver.
LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/Cedarsmokemusic/
https://www.instagram.com/cedarsmokemusic/
https://cedarsmoke.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0LVfXd7IeEIY59IY7v2BcI
