Sydney duo Cosmo’s Midnight have released their highly anticipated second album Yesteryear that takes an introspective look at formative life experiences, growing up, and moving on into the future with a sense of optimism and newfound confidence.
From humble beginnings showcasing their early music on triple j Unearthed in 2012 to now global stardom, twin brothers Cosmo & Patrick Liney of Cosmo’s Midnight have returned once again with a new album that reflects the immense talent of the pair, their growth as musicians, and the perfection of their unique sound. From recording music in their bedrooms to now taking on the music scene as refined electronic artists, the gifted duo have raised the bar with their new album maintaining their funky psychedelia sound while striving to include more organic elements that are rich in feeling and emotion. Bringing forth something truly spectacular, Yesteryear melds together influences the pair have had from an early age growing up whilst also maintaining their addictive alternative electronic indie-pop sound that we all know so well.
Talking about the album and the main influences behind each song the boys said, “Stylistically we have always looked back to genres our parents introduced to us growing up; disco, funk, psychedelia, alt-pop of the 70s and 80s. In ‘Yesteryear’ we have honed in on that, moving away from overly produced sounds to more organic instrumentation, focused on feeling rather than thinking.”
Reflecting on the main meaning nestled behind their Yesteryear album the duo said, “Our second album is about reflecting on the past with not only nostalgia but also an element of melancholia; all the formative experiences that we absorb growing up both good and bad. It’s an album inspired by personal growth, looking back on these experiences, learning from them and moving forward with optimism.”
Beginning with ‘Unwind’ a gust of fresh air swirls through your mind as the brothers deliver absolute summer funk. Groove infused and incredibly catchy this tune has 70s influences with funky guitars and glimmering electronic elements. As you listen to this song you’re transported to warm summer nights where indeed you can completely ‘Unwind’. With smooth verses and a touch of disco, this banger is the perfect opener to introduce listeners to the entrancement that is sure to come with the rest of the album.
Next comes the title track of the album ‘Yesteryear’ that reflects on the past and the influence of nostalgia. This tune is laced with groovy elements from riffing guitars, twangy retro additions, breezy vocals and upbeat lively verses. Bringing a taste of psychedelia to the album this song is a definite stand-out encompassing the main messages imprinted in this latest body of work. Reflecting on the deep meaning behind this absolute bop the boys said, “‘Yesteryear’ is a song reflecting back on the years past, the unchanging feelings of youth, growing up and contemplating the future.” With Pat having his first lead vocal appearance since 2018 in this track, the song has a unique touch that is very transportive and immersive. ‘Yesteryear’ really highlights the growth in the pair’s refined sound as they explore new themes and dive headfirst into transfixing sounds.
‘It’s Love’ featuring Mathew Young is a slower guitar-heavy tune with a punchy beat and dreamy vocals that feel like a blissful daydream. ‘Have It All’ with Age.Sex.Location delivers funk whilst bringing strumming guitars and poppy beats to the forefront. Adding resounding trumpets that ooze a sense of jazz, ‘Have It All’ is a fresh collaboration on the album staying true to Cosmo’s Midnight’s retro, indie-pop sound. ‘Ice’ featuring Stevan adds elements of R&B to this multifaceted body of work with chill vocals that are spaced out through touches of hip-hop. This tune brings a different sound to the album with Stevan’s vocals adding depth and dimension to Yesteryear as the band experiment with different sounds and genres. ‘Down For You’ with Ruel is definitely the best collaboration on the album with slick vocals, dreamy soundscapes, and funky electronic sounds. Including such a great collection of collaborators on Yesteryear has brought so much life to the band’s album that is sounding better and better with each new beat.
‘Idaho’ is one of the cruisiest songs on the album with an addictive drum loop, funky sounds, and riffing guitars that definitely give the song charisma and flair. With Cosmo’s stunning falsettos added to the song this track feels smooth and light taking you far away from the current gloom of 2020. Talking about this feel-good tune the duo said ‘Idaho’ is about the inability to be content with life.
“It’s a funky and laid back song about that grass is greener syndrome everyone feels. The inability to be content about your current life. Sometimes you need to go explore an alternate perspective so you realize how good you’ve really got it.”
Despite its deep meaning this song definitely makes you feel content with life planting you deep in a hazy stupor.
‘C.U.D.I (Can U Dig It)’ is by far the most recognisable and addictive song on the album landing the boys their debut on triple j’s Hottest 100 with the song now being a Gold Certified single. This track is the definition of tropical days, hot summer nights, and groovy funk vibes. With an infectious beat, smooth electronic elements, and stunning guitars, this single is a must listen with the track set on repeat. Making you want to get up and dance to the rhythm of the song, ‘C.U.D.I (Can U Dig It)’ is a quintessential Cosmo’s Midnight song set to transport you to better days. Talking about the summery vibe of the song the boys said, “We got the idea out and left it fresh cos we wanted to capture the midsummer feelings we were having over the new year.”
‘We Could Last Forever’ finishes the album on a high with groovy guitars, swirling electronic elements, and dreamy vocals. Feeling very nostalgic and entrancing all at the same time this song will have you bopping in no time. The band are able to encompass so many genres into their music from 70s vibes to disco, funk, and groove, which can be heard throughout this track. Talking about how the song came to life the duo said, “‘We Could Last Forever’ was so fun to write. Our friend Michael came up with this line which, I ended up vocoding “Let’s Groove, Let’s Dance, Let’s take this chance together we could last forever,” from there the song just opened up.” The lyrics in this song are bright and encouraging, drawing us into the music and making us want to groove and dance to the beat.
With incredible depth drawn from the inspiration behind each song to the outstanding sounds heard throughout the album, Yesteryear is by far one of Cosmo’s Midnight’s best work yet bringing much-needed life to the glumness of 2020. Honing in on their indie-pop electronic sound this dynamic duo have proved that hard work truly pays off when creating new music that pushes the limits of their classic sound further than ever before. It’s clear to hear the evolution in the band’s music with this new body of work sounding more refined and explorative. Ultimately about personal growth and moving forward with optimism Cosmo’s Midnight have shown through Yesteryear that they have grown as a band as they remain on track towards a rapidly thriving career for both Australia and the world to see.
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