Brand new single from Cedarsmoke

Brisbane-based indie folk rock outfit Cedarsmoke has been going from strength to strength since forming in 2016 under the direction of singer-songwriter Jon Cloumassis. The group has become a staple in Australia’s indie landscape with their lyric-forward approach and genre-blurring sonic output. Known for bringing to life tales that stretch from hazy childhood memories to wild nights out, Cedarsmoke’s music feels at once nostalgic and thrillingly new, always anchored in story, but unafraid to leap into musical unknowns.

Over the years, Cedarsmoke has earned a reputation as one of the city’s most prolific and compelling indie acts. With four EPs and two full-length albums to their name, their catalogue spans a wide emotional and musical spectrum with everything from gritty alternative country to shimmering psychedelic folk. Their work has picked up attention from the likes of Triple J, Double J, MTV, The AU Review and more, but perhaps more importantly, it’s earned them a loyal following of listeners who find comfort and surprise in their every release.

After the indie rock momentum of Into the Wild World in 2021 and the more reflective, folk leaning sounds on 2023’s The Great & The Terrible, Cedarsmoke now finds themselves on the brink of something different. With new members Tamala Wright on drums and vocals and Matt Cloumassis on lead guitar, the band is expanding both its personnel and its vision. This new sound is on full display with their latest single titled “Kicking Drugs,” a track that signals the beginning of Cedarsmoke’s most experimental era yet.

Sonically, “Kicking Drugs” is a kaleidoscope of genre-fluid alternative rock textures, folk flourishes, avant-garde psychedelia and flashes of electronic pop. The track begins with bright, cheerful drum loops and breezy acoustic strums, before giving way to the spacey buzz of synths and swirling keyboard lines that feel almost cinematic. As Jon’s vocals enter, he spins expressive melodic leads above the upbeat arrangement, building up with the dusty punch of drums before gliding into an instantly catchy chorus of elegant melodic hooks and smooth rhythmic sway.

Thematically, the track dances between reflection and renewal, of leaving behind the weight of past vices and finding a strange kind of peace in the unknown. It’s about choosing joy, embracing uncertainty, and doing it all in the company of friends. Interestingly, the band cites Jungian Colour Psychology as part of the inspiration for the track, describing “Kicking Drugs” as orange, a hue representing vitality, stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing new experiences.

Brimming with infectious writing, poignant lyricism and an array of layered instrumental elements, “Kicking Drugs” sees Cedarsmoke open a new musical chapter in spectacular fashion. With their third full-length record on the horizon, we can’t wait to see what this exciting band has in store for the rest of 2025 and beyond.

Listen to Kicking Drugs below

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