Coolonaut, originally from Scotland and now based in rural Australia, produces analogue Psychedelic Mod Music shaped by 60s psychedelia and mod culture. Drawing inspiration from musical greats of the past, Coolonaut embraces a raw, unpolished sound, rejecting contemporary trends and conventional styles. Their music reflects both lifelong influences and the absurdities of modern life, creating a unique, timeless expression that honors classic psychedelia while resonating with the present era. Creative authenticity defines Coolonaut’s artistic vision.
Released on October 24th, 2025, Coolonaut’s third LP, “Karma Smile”, emerges as a defiant, analogue rooted statement amid a turbulent world. Crafted entirely on an eight track tape machine, the album embraces imperfection and warmth, channeling 1960s psychedelic and mod influences while refusing to wallow in nostalgia. Its sound is tactile, raw, and emotionally immediate, privileging necessity over polish and rejecting the hollow gloss of contemporary production trends.
Lyrically, “Karma Smile” confronts the moral crises of our era. Unlike mainstream rock, which often sidesteps injustice or offers platitudes of peace, Coolonaut refuses silence. The album critiques social complicity, the concealment of atrocities, and the apathy of those in power, insisting on ultimate karmic accountability. Frustration, disbelief, and righteous anger saturate every track, making each song a direct, uncompromising engagement with contemporary realities.
The album’s protest is unvarnished yet articulate. Coolonaut channels outrage into music without resorting to slogans, balancing fierce moral commentary with inventive arrangements. Its grooves carry urgency, each note a reflection of conscience and resistance, transforming rock into a medium for reflection and accountability. The performances feel driven by necessity rather than trend, lending the album an authenticity rare in today’s scene.
Karma Smile Album Track List:
Confabulation:
“Confabulation” opens Karma Smile with spiraling guitar riffs and splashing cymbals, instantly immersing listeners in Coolonaut’s analogue‑rich soundscape. The track pulses with urgency, as if the instruments themselves are wrestling with conflicting thoughts, mirroring the song’s theme of the mind weaving its own versions of reality. Vocals are assertive and introspective, giving the impression of an internal struggle rather than a conventional performance. Warm, slightly abrasive guitar tones and tape‑recorded textures blend with driving drums, creating a tension that feels both chaotic and meticulously controlled. This contrast between restless energy and rhythmic propulsion heightens the track’s emotional impact, pulling listeners into a space of disorientation, reflection, and psychological intensity. “Confabulation” not only sets the tone for the album but also establishes Coolonaut’s commitment to raw, analogue expression and unflinching engagement with the inner workings of the mind.
Be On The Right Side:
“Be On The Right Side” delivers some of “Karma Smile” most pointed political and social commentary, wrapped in a musically compelling package. Jangling, biting guitars evoke mid‑60s British mod influences while adding a jagged, cynical edge that immediately commands attention. Beneath the catchy riffs, a heartbeat‑like bassline drives the track with rhythmic urgency, grounding the music in both emotion and purpose. Coolonaut’s vocals cut through with biting clarity, reinforcing the theme of moral pressure and the imperative to “be on the right side” of every issue. The chorus propels the song forward with infectious momentum, transforming righteous frustration into a groove that engages listeners without diluting its message. Cleverly balancing accessibility with conviction, the track showcases Coolonaut’s ability to merge analogue warmth, vintage influences, and sociopolitical engagement into music that is both thought provoking and irresistibly compelling.
Into The Sun:
“Into The Sun” shifts Karma Smile into a more expansive and uplifting space, contrasting the razor‑edged urgency of earlier tracks. The arrangement is layered and atmospheric, with thoughtful chord progressions and compelling percussive rhythms that create a sense of ascension. Lush guitars and analogue textures gradually build, evoking rising light and the sensation of breaking through emotional fog. Vocals are measured and expressive, taking their time to convey depth and meaning, complementing the evolving instrumentation rather than rushing it. This careful pacing mirrors the track’s conceptual journey from introspective tension toward release and broader perspective. Musically, the song excels in balancing melodic richness with structural simplicity, allowing each element to breathe and swell naturally. “Into The Sun” captures a sense of transcendence and emotional clarity, standing out as a moment of reflection and uplift within the album’s intense, socially charged landscape.
I Don’t Need To Apologise:
“I Don’t Need To Apologise” closes Karma Smile with unflinching force, embodying raw sonic defiance. Moody, assertive basslines anchor the track, while gritty guitar tones slash through the mix, refusing to soften or compromise. Coolonaut’s vocal delivery is bold and self‑assured, carrying an almost smug confidence that reinforces the track’s refusal to yield. Stripped of earlier complexity, the arrangement focuses on direct emotional communication, allowing lyrical defiance and unrestrained energy to take center stage. Every element works toward a singular purpose: asserting personal agency, authenticity, and resistance to compromise. The song serves as more than just a finale; it is a culmination of the album’s thematic intensity, reflecting Coolonaut’s commitment to confronting injustice and societal pressures without apology. By ending on this uncompromising note, the track leaves a lasting impression of strength, conviction, and unapologetic individuality.
Despite its heavy thematic concerns, “Karma Smile” never feels didactic. Analogue textures and psychedelic flourishes create an inviting sonic landscape, allowing listeners to absorb the messages while connecting emotionally with the music. The record situates itself at the intersection of vintage inspiration and modern sensibility, demonstrating that analogue warmth and sociopolitical engagement can coexist seamlessly.
Karma Smile Confronts Injustice With Raw Analogue Energy, Blending Vintage Psychedelia And Modern Urgency, Demanding Deep Reflection, Accountability, And Uncompromising Emotional Honesty From Every Listener
~ Faithfulness (Dulaxi Team)
Ultimately, “Karma Smile” is not just a collection of songs it is Coolonaut’s declaration that rock remains capable of truth telling, resistance, and emotional honesty. It is fierce, unfiltered, and morally urgent, a record that challenges listeners while reaffirming the enduring power of music as both personal expression and social critique.
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