Shakeel, the creative force of Coolonaut, is a musician whose career is a combination of tireless devotion, musical progress, and cultural shifts. Shakeel was surrounded by the rich tapestry of rock music during the 1960s and early 1970s, having been born and reared in Scotland. He was profoundly impacted by this era, which is recognized for its innovative music and trailblazing performers. Shakeel was a young musician who was greatly impacted by the raw energy, adventurous spirit, and profundity of the lyrical content of that period.
Shakeel moved to Coolah, Australia’s rural heartlands for the next chapter of his life. His artistic journey was greatly impacted by this move from Scotland to the Australian outback. Shakeel developed his craft against the serene yet harsh backdrop of Coolah, eventually becoming the one-man creative tornado known as Coolonaut. Accepting the ease and difficulties of country living, he set up his home studio and started recording music with an 8-track reel-to-reel recorder, one amp, and one microphone. Because of this traditional, analog method, his music has a real, raw sound that digital recordings frequently don’t.
Coolonaut’s music is a unique amalgamation of his diverse influences and personal experiences. Shakeel plays all the instruments and handles all vocal duties, infusing his tracks with a deeply personal touch. His songs often explore themes drawn from his immediate surroundings, local characters, political landscapes, and personal reflections on travel and change. This blend of introspection and observation gives his music a relatable yet profoundly unique edge.
Redefining the limits of psychedelic rock with a dash of rustic authenticity, Coolonaut’s album was released on April 12th, 2024. All of Coolonaut’s musical compositions on “Tales From The Black Stump” were created in the remote Australian town of Coolah. His skill as a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and producer is demonstrated in this album. Coolonaut chose to use old equipment and a raw, analog approach instead of contemporary digital techniques in order to capture the actual spirit of his music. As a result, there is a compilation of songs that are as lively and upbeat as they are thoughtful and moving.
Coolonaut takes listeners on a journey into the Australian bush in “Tales From The Black Stump,” where he explores the foundations of politics, the experiences of local characters, and his own reflections on travel and the fleeting nature of life. Each song stands alone as a tale that combines the political and the personal, the historical and the contemporary, to create a seamless and engrossing musical whole. With its distinct soundtrack of gritty energy, rich melodies, and profound lyrics, the album stands out as a seminal release in the modern rock scene.
Tales From The Black Stump Album Track List:
Fish Eyes Lens:
From the moment I pressed play on “Fish Eyes Lens,” the opening track of Coolonaut’s album “Tales From The Black Stump,” I was immediately swept up in a wave of vigorous, grungy energy. The song bursts to life with a powerful blend of melodic sounds—a zesty drum beat, a sweetly shaky percussive dance, and the rhythmic interplay of guitar and bass. This combination creates an upbeat, progressive rock masterpiece that overflows with originality. Coolonaut’s astounding voice emerges with precision and finesse, riding the vibrant instrumentation with ease and bringing his lyrics to life in a way that feels both fresh and deeply authentic.
As “Fish Eyes Lens” progresses, it maintains a relentless, fast tempo and an infectious, upbeat rhythm. I found myself captivated by the beautiful, astounding melody that forms the backbone of the track. Coolonaut’s vocals, at times double-tracked, add an extra layer of impact, making his already exceptional voice even more compelling. The song’s structure and flow keep listeners engaged, moving seamlessly through energetic peaks that showcase Coolonaut’s ability to harness and sustain high levels of musical intensity.
What truly sets “Fish Eyes Lens” apart is the phenomenal guitar work that unfolds towards the end of the track. The riffs are nothing short of mind-blowing, highlighting Coolonaut’s versatility as an instrumentalist, singer, and producer. Each note and chord demonstrate his mastery and dedication to his craft, solidifying his place as a virtuosic force in the rock genre. This song not only serves as a powerful introduction to “Tales From The Black Stump” but also as a testament to Coolonaut’s unique artistic vision and technical prowess.
I Don’t Want To Know:
“I Don’t Want To Know,” the second song on Coolonaut’s album “Tales From The Black Stump,” immediately caught my attention because of its unusual mix of tenderness and vigor. This song has a more melancholic tone than the intense opener, but it still has a subtle drive that keeps it interesting. Deep, prolonged tones provide a rich backdrop, and the grand guitar strings instantly create an atmosphere that is both pensive and powerful. The lovely grace of the bass follows the percussive parts as they gradually make their way into the mix. A progressive build-up that seems both graceful and forceful is produced by the deliberate layering of instruments.
The way the music alternates between quiet, repetitive passages and intense outbursts of energy really captured my attention as it went on. The lyrics are delivered with a tranquil yet commanding presence by Coolonaut, whose soothing voice effortlessly rides the waves of this complex orchestration. Perfectly constructed instrument interplay results in a harmonious whole, with each component enhancing the others. “I Don’t Want To Know” is a noteworthy piece that exemplifies Coolonaut’s ability to merge various musical textures and moods with a balance of unpredictability and cohesiveness.
What makes “I Don’t Want To Know” truly exceptional is its ability to maintain interest through its nuanced progression. The song builds momentum in a way that feels natural and unforced, drawing the listener deeper into its melodic narrative. The transitions between energetic and softer passages are executed with finesse, showcasing Coolonaut’s talent as both a musician and a producer. This track is not only a testament to his versatility but also an indication of the thematic depth present throughout “Tales From The Black Stump.” It’s a piece that resonates on multiple levels, offering both immediate auditory pleasure and deeper emotional engagement.
The Emperors New Clothes:
The song “The Emperors New Clothes,” which is taken from Coolonaut’s album “Tales From The Black Stump,” immediately draws listeners in with its unwavering energy and steady beat. I was instantly engrossed in a lively rhythm that gradually built throughout the song. The deep, resonant bass, repetitive drum beats, and distinctive guitar strings all came together to produce a powerful groove that was the ideal setting for Coolonaut’s passionate vocals. The track became instantly captivating and memorable due to its upbeat base.
I was really impressed with Coolonaut’s vocal performance, which conveyed the song’s contents with clarity and a profound essence. Backup vocals were briefly added to the performance, which enhanced the overall vocal delivery without drawing attention away from Coolonaut. The harmonious balance that was produced by the vocalists’ flawless interplay with the instrumental composition ensured that the energy level was constant throughout. The constant energy of this tune is one of its most notable aspects; it shows how Coolonaut can keep things moving forward without boring the listener.
The instrumentation in “The Emperor’s New Clothes” continued to evolve throughout the song, with the bass and guitar strings guiding the dynamic progression. I was particularly impressed by how the instrumental layers built upon each other, creating a complex yet cohesive soundscape. The persistent energy and evolving musical elements made the track feel fresh and compelling with each listen. This song exemplifies Coolonaut’s talent in blending powerful grooves with intricate musicality, resulting in a truly magnificent piece that stands out in “Tales From The Black Stump.”
The Man Who Knows It All:
The best song from Coolonaut’s album “Tales From The Black Stump,” “The Man Who Knows It All,” drew me in with its contagious, upbeat spirit right away. The song has an upbeat start that makes it seem both joyful and free from the get-go. An infectious and upbeat rhythm is created when the deep bass guitar and melodic guitar strings combine with the drum beat’s rhythmic introduction. This song encapsulates an undulating joy that will make you want to jump up and raise your hands in the air.
As the song progresses, I could hear the subtle addition of percussive sounds, which enriched the overall texture and added layers of complexity to the upbeat rhythm. Coolonaut’s vocals, as always, were delivered with precision and flair, riding the wave of the energetic instrumentation with ease. His voice brought a sense of coherence and direction to the track, making it both sonically pleasing and emotionally uplifting. The inclusion of backup vocals further enhanced the experience, providing a harmonious backdrop that complemented both Coolonaut’s lead vocals and the instrumentation.
The exquisite instrumentation in “The Man Who Knows It All” provides a lively and upbeat rhythm that is what really makes the song stand out. The song moves forward with a joyful pace thanks in large part to the smooth blending of the bass and guitar strings. The track is elevated to a whole new level of musical brilliance by this interplay, which also demonstrates Coolonaut’s talent as a musician and producer. The end product is an incredible, upbeat anthem that distinguishes itself as one of “Tales From The Black Stump’s” most upbeat and dynamic tracks.
“Tales From The Black Stump” is a remarkable testament to Coolonaut’s artistic vision and dedication. Shakeel’s ability to single-handedly produce such a diverse and engaging album speaks volumes about his talent and passion. For those seeking an authentic rock experience infused with psychedelic influences and personal storytelling, this album is a must-listen. From the grungy vigor of “Fish Eyes Lens” to the joyous rhythms of “The Man Who Knows It All,” each track offers a captivating journey through the Australian outback. Experience the raw, unfiltered creativity of Coolonaut—listen to “Tales From The Black Stump” today and let the music transport you.
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