8/10

Brisbane/Meanjin’s Cedarsmoke return with 'Under The Rainbow', their masterful third album that turns colour into feeling, and feeling into music. Following a string of wondrous singles already this year, this ten-track odyssey is a testament to the band’s growth, blending indie-folk intimacy with textured electronic flourishes to create a soundscape that is both grounded and otherworldly.

From the opening tones of ‘Don’t Fear The Reaper’, the album immediately stakes its claim with dark humour, reflective lyricism, and subtle orchestration set the stage for an exploration of life’s extremes. The record unfolds like a painter’s palette, each song representing a distinct hue and psychological state. ‘Kicking Drugs’ pulses in vibrant orange, merging warped guitars with hypnotic electronic beats to convey energy and renewal, while ‘Picasso Blue’ descends into melancholia, evoking the quiet clarity that comes from sorrow.

Cedarsmoke excel at balancing contrasts. ‘Shut Your Eyes and See’ drifts through verdant calm before erupting into a joyous, Beatles-esque crescendo, while ‘Madame Psychosis’ burns with the intensity of red, Tamala Wright’s vocals radiating both tenderness and fervour. In tracks like ‘Going Under’, distorted guitars entwine with loops and textures, capturing anxiety and wonder in equal measure. The title-track gathers these threads into a sweeping, cinematic vision where colour and emotion coexist in harmony.

What sets this album apart is the band’s deft navigation of space and texture. Acoustic guitars and piano provide warmth, while modular synths, loops, and electronic washes add depth and unpredictability. The production, guided by long-time collaborator Cam Smith, ensures that every emotional beat is felt, whether it’s the chaotic yellow glow of ‘Something Over Nothing’ or the meditative purity of ‘Water’.

Nearly a decade in, Cedarsmoke have created a work that feels timeless yet contemporary. 'Under The Rainbow' is a luminous exploration of life’s cycles that finds beauty in darkness, and meaning in every shade of human experience.