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“My Mind’s Projection” – Brad Cox

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Album Review: My Mind’s Projection by Brad Cox

Brad Cox’s sophomore album, My Mind’s Projection, firmly establishes the Australian country artist as one of the genre’s brightest emerging talents. With this release, Cox delivers a heartfelt, honest, and emotionally charged collection of songs that explore love, heartbreak, self-reflection, and the complexities of modern life. Produced by Matt Fell, whose work has consistently elevated Australian country music, My Mind’s Projection blends traditional country elements with a contemporary edge, making it accessible to both old-school fans and new listeners alike.

The album kicks off with the explosive opening track, Hold Me Back, a high-energy anthem that sets the tone for what’s to come. Cox’s powerful, raspy vocals cut through with passion and conviction as he sings about the desire to break free from life’s restraints. With an infectious chorus and dynamic guitar riffs, Hold Me Back is a testament to Cox’s ability to create songs that feel both personal and universal. The track’s driving beat, layered production, and raw energy make it one of the standout moments on the album, and it’s easy to imagine it becoming a crowd favorite at live shows. Matt Fell’s polished yet gritty production adds weight to the song, keeping it rooted in country-rock while allowing Cox’s voice to take center stage.

Another standout is Short Lived Love, a poignant ballad that taps into the classic themes of heartbreak and fleeting romance. Cox’s storytelling ability shines through as he recounts the fragility of a love that burns bright but fades quickly. The acoustic guitar work on this track is subtle but effective, giving Cox’s vocal performance room to breathe. His delivery is raw and emotive, making the listener feel every bit of the longing and regret embedded in the lyrics. The production here is more stripped back than on the album’s more raucous tracks, allowing the simplicity and intimacy of the song to shine. Fell’s restraint on this track proves his versatility as a producer, knowing when to let the artist’s voice and lyrics carry the emotional weight without overproducing the sound.

Give Me Tonight provides a contrasting mood to Short Lived Love, bringing a sense of hope and yearning that feels both vulnerable and sincere. The song leans into more of a mid-tempo groove, showcasing Cox’s ability to seamlessly transition between up-tempo numbers and more contemplative ballads. Lyrically, Give Me Tonight explores the need for connection in moments of uncertainty, with Cox pleading for one more night of shared intimacy before reality sets in. The song’s layered production, featuring rich harmonies and lush instrumentation, adds a warmth that contrasts with the emotional tension in the lyrics, creating a beautifully balanced track. Fell’s production brings out the tenderness in Cox’s voice, enhancing the song’s intimate feel without overwhelming it with unnecessary embellishments.

Throughout My Mind’s Projection, Brad Cox consistently balances high-energy tracks with introspective ballads, demonstrating his versatility as both a performer and songwriter. Tracks like Water On The Ground and Drinking Season bring a more upbeat, celebratory energy to the album, while songs like Remedy and Wildfires slow the pace down, offering more introspective moments. Cox’s ability to switch between these contrasting moods gives the album a dynamic quality, keeping the listener engaged from start to finish.

The album’s production, courtesy of Matt Fell, is nothing short of exceptional. Fell, known for his work with artists like Fanny Lumsden and Shane Nicholson, has a keen ear for bringing out the best in country music while maintaining a contemporary feel. His work on My Mind’s Projection is polished but never overproduced, allowing the raw emotion of Cox’s voice to remain the focal point of each track.

In terms of lyrical content, My Mind’s Projection doesn’t shy away from vulnerability. Cox opens up about love, loss, and personal struggles, inviting the listener into his world. His ability to craft relatable, heartfelt lyrics is one of his greatest strengths, and it’s on full display throughout the album.

Overall, My Mind’s Projection is a masterful sophomore release from Brad Cox. It showcases his growth as an artist, both in terms of songwriting and performance, while Matt Fell’s production elevates the album to new heights. With a mix of anthems, ballads, and everything in between, Cox has created a body of work that speaks to the heart of country music fans and proves that he is a force to be reckoned with in the genre.

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REVIEW: Healing Descent – Van Walker

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Van Walker’s latest album, Healing Descent, is a testament to his lyrical brilliance and emotional depth. Recorded in just four days during a break in his Canadian tour, the album reunites Van with long-time collaborator Chris Altmann and introduces Carl Jennings as part of the creative force behind its production. Together, they’ve crafted a collection of ten tracks that are as musically diverse as they are thematically profound.

Drawing inspiration from the first spring of lockdown in 2020, Van captures a delicate balance between optimism and reflection. Tracks like “Persephone’s Return” and “Her Gentleness” sparkle with hope, celebrating renewal and the unstoppable resilience of nature. Yet, the album doesn’t shy away from darker undertones, with songs like “Certainty of Sand” exploring themes of loss and uncertainty.

Healing Descent also showcases a subtle yet powerful interplay of seasons, with tracks such as “Summer Thunder” and “Winter’s Last Words” adding a cyclical, almost poetic, narrative. This undercurrent of “Ruin & Refuge” and “Death & Reanimation” ties the album together, making it more than just a collection of songs—it’s a cohesive journey through life’s tumultuous moments and the promise of renewal.

Van’s vocal and lyrical artistry are perfectly complemented by Altmann’s production expertise and Jennings’ studio mastery, breathing life into the album’s earthy yet intricate soundscapes. With Healing Descent, Van Walker proves once again why his music resonates deeply, offering listeners an album that is both profoundly personal and universally relatable. This is an artist at the peak of his craft, reminding us of the beauty and resilience found in both music and life itself.

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REVIEW: The Four Seasons – Henry Wagons

Henry Wagons’ latest album, “The Four Seasons”, is an enthralling exploration of alt-country music that fuses classic and contemporary styles. This album demonstrates Wagons’ distinctive talent for combining humour, feeling, and musical exploration into a unified and captivating listening experience that leaves you wanting more

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Henry Wagons’ latest album, “The Four Seasons”, is an enthralling exploration of alt-country music that fuses classic and contemporary styles. This album demonstrates Wagons’ distinctive talent for combining humour, feeling, and musical exploration into a unified and captivating listening experience that leaves you wanting more and awaiting the chance to embrace this album in a live experience, dimly lit, smoke filled room, whiskey in hand.

Early in the album Wagons leads us into “Freight Train (Going South),” with eerie backing vocals and a piercing train horn establish the mood. With lyrics like “once you ride this train, you ain’t gonna want to ride trains no more,” Wagons ‘s deep, resonant voice evokes a feeling of exploration and self-reflection. Wagons’ talent for combining comedy and emotional storytelling is on full display in this and other songs like “I’m Glad I Fell In Love With You,” which incorporates pedal steel and sobbing mandolins.

Among the notable collaborations on the album are the duets with Queenie, a fellow Melburnian. Queenie’s vocals elevate the dramatic stakes of “Open The Door,” which culminate in a musically violent climax that is a stunning contrast to the introverted piano melody. The slower shuffle rhythm and pedal steel of “Surrender” evoke feelings of hesitancy and self-reflection, revealing a more sensitive side of the artist.



The instrumental interludes that distinguish “The Four Seasons” are a notable aspect of the album. With its hints of openness and independence muted by sinister undertones, “Autumn” evokes the atmosphere of a contemporary western mood piece. Leaning into a Sergio Leone-inspired soundscape, “Summer” has whistling and echoey brass that evokes visions of expansive, sun-kissed vistas. Minimalists in structure, “Winter” showcases acoustic guitar and swaying synths, while “Spring” provides a quick, energetic soundscape. Together, they make an impression and almost like brief intermezzo’s of the seasons and the landscape experience of Wagons’ himself.

The versatility of Wagons’ sound is on full display throughout the record. The semi-mechanized rhythm and swelling trumpets of “Park At The Station (Friends Of Mine)” create a new Melbourne ballad that delves into pragmatic crises and tales of friendship. With its bluesy tones and the touch of booze on the lips “Are You Impressed” gives the album yet another emotional edge that is hard to escape.


When experienced as a whole, “The Four Seasons” demonstrates Henry Wagons’ adaptability and originality. Sit back, relax, and let yourself be swept away by the album’s complex, lush soundscapes. Everyone from classic country music lovers to those seeking more contemporary sounds will find something they like on this album. With his deep voice, astute lyrics, and a wide array of musical influences, The Four Seasons is an outstanding alt-country album and one sure to feature in several end of year lists and awards nominations.

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REVIEW: Brighter Days – Dwight Yoakam

Country music icon Dwight Yoakam returns with Brighter Days, his first album of new music in nearly a decade. This release showcases not only Yoakam’s signature honky-tonk flair but also a more introspective side, inspired by his journey as a husband and family man. The album feels like a celebration of love, resilience, and the beauty of simpler moments, wrapped in Yoakam’s timeless blend of traditional and modern country sounds.

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Country music icon Dwight Yoakam returns with Brighter Days, his first album of new music in nearly a decade. This release showcases not only Yoakam’s signature honky-tonk flair but also a more introspective side, inspired by his journey as a husband and family man. The album feels like a celebration of love, resilience, and the beauty of simpler moments, wrapped in Yoakam’s timeless blend of traditional and modern country sounds.

The album kicks off with “Wide Open Heart,” an upbeat, twangy anthem that channels Yoakam’s classic sound. It’s a song of love and commitment, where he opens up about finding strength in vulnerability. The track sets the tone for the album with its catchy rhythm and heartfelt lyrics, reminding fans why Yoakam’s voice and style remain so compelling.

The album progresses with Yoakam’s iconic insight to honky tonk and country music highlighting every track before “A Dream That Never Ends” slows things down, bringing a reflective, almost wistful energy. Yoakam’s vocals feel particularly emotive here, as he sings about cherishing the present moment.

Brighter Days also features three intriguing cover songs that showcase Yoakam’s ability to blend influences from across genres. The Carter Family’s “Keep On The Sunny Side” is a tribute to classic country, bringing a comforting sense of nostalgia. Cake’s “Bound Away” introduces an indie flair, and Yoakam’s take on Chris Hillman’s “Time Between” pays homage to The Byrds’ roots-rock legacy, infusing it with his own honky-tonk twist.

The standout track on Brighter Days has to be “I Don’t Know How To Say Goodbye,” a surprise duet with Post Malone. This unexpected pairing works beautifully, as Yoakam’s rich, earthy tone complements Malone’s raw, emotional delivery. Together, they fuse generations and highlight one’s legendary status in country music and the others respectful and soulful homage which makes this one of the standouts not only on this album, but also of 2024.

Throughout Brighter Days, Yoakam’s lyrics reflect his personal growth and new perspectives. The themes of love, family, and finding light in dark times are woven through each song, creating a cohesive narrative that feels genuine and heartfelt. After nine years, Yoakam’s return with Brighter Days reminds us of his undeniable talent for storytelling and his unique ability to bridge the old and the new in country music. Fans of Yoakam will find plenty to love in this album, which not only celebrates his legacy but also signals a new chapter in his life and career.

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