Track: There’s no doubt who’s a ‘Cool Cucumber’ – the brilliant A. Swayze & the Ghosts explode back into the universe with a cool savoir faire and a glam rock sparkle.

One of Australia’s best punk exponents, the brilliant A. Swayze and the Ghosts from niaplauna/Hobart, have made a blazing return to the scene with their new single ‘Cool Cucumber’. It’s been four long years since their debut album ‘Paid Salvation’ (see my review here) and the new single is a satisfying electric shock to the heart.

There is a punchy glam rock shimmer to the new track – a nuanced approach to the thunder but with as much of a sonic attack as ever. It’s not so much abrasive punk but more of an angular almost funky post punk track that quickens the pulse with a psychedelic hue and twists and turns with its various movements and shades.

Enigmatic frontman Andrew Swayze says of the track:

This song represents our break from people’s expectations, embracing a diverse sound that transcends previous releases. We intentionally moved away from familiar genres and attitudes, signalling our growth and evolution as artists.

The lyrics are insouciant and cool, with an Iggy Pop/The Hives/Bowie sense of swagger and an old school Ed Kuepper vibe:

Some people
They tell me that I am a pretty cool banana
(Oh yeah, what do they say?)
They’re saying anything just so I will stick around for a while
(Micro-physical, let’s not be too critical)
And some others, they need to feel love or they want you to save ’em
But I tip-toe away just to save dancing a boring ballet

The clip is an hilarious pastiche of some very daggy dancing, delivered with the utmost seriousness and sense of style:

What a brilliant return.

‘Cool Cucumber’ is out now and available to download and stream here.

A. Swayze and the Ghosts will be launching the single with a series of gigs in Sydney, Melbourne and their home town Hobart – see details below. Don’t miss them – they are one of the most exciting and dynamic live acts in the country.

Friday 10 May – Vic On The Park – Eora/Sydney
Thursday 16 May – Old Bar – Naarm/Melbourne
Friday 17 May – The Grand Poobah – nipaluna/Hobart
All tickets available here

A. Swayze & the Ghosts are:

Andrew Swayze (he/him; vocals), Ben von Fürstenburg (he/him; guitar/synth), Zac Blain (he/him; drums) and touring members Kieran Daly (he/him; guitar) and Joe Berry (he/him; bass)

Feature Photograph: Olivia Hasler