Forever Five: Lachlan Rose (Cousin Tony's Brand New Firebird)

Waxx Lyrical
2 days ago
2 min read

This week’s Forever Five features Lachlan Rose—frontman, songwriter, and creative heart of Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird. There’s an assured, understated cool about Lachy, the kind you can’t fake. As a songwriter, he’s a rare breed—someone who doesn’t just craft songs but builds entire worlds, with each album pushing into fresh sonic territories. From sweeping, orchestral moments to stripped-down, intimate reflections, his work has the kind of dynamic range that invites listeners and converts them into rabid supporters and keeps them coming back for life. Lachy’s selections will tell you a lot about what you need to know about his musical compass: they reflect a love for adventurous and atmospheric music, for artists who dared to explore the edges, break conventions, and make beauty out of unexpected places. There’s a deep respect in his choices for those who blend emotional depth with sonic innovation—artists who’ve left a mark without ever chasing trends. That same spirit runs through Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird. They’re one of Melbourne’s most beloved live acts, regularly playing to packed-out rooms, their songs moving effortlessly between euphoric highs and reflective lows. Their last album, Smiles of Earth, was Waxx Lyrical’s highest-selling record of 2022, and their next, Rosewater Crocodile, Lachy and the band promise to deliver yet another deeply felt, forward-thinking collection of songs. Lachy’s Forever Five speaks to an artist who is quietly building a legacy—one bold, beautiful album at a time.