Cosmic Psychos are still proud punks and beer enthusiasts

Crack a cold one with the punk and pub mainstays.

For someone that owns land in Central Victoria that is home to a major winery estate, you’d think Ross Knight of mainstay maniac punk outfit Cosmic Psychos would dedicate an album to the rich red liquid. But that’s simply not the Psychos way. 

Having cut their teeth in RSL’s, pubs, halls and dives across the country, Cosmic Psychos have developed a palette for the golden child of beverages; the hop dream; the wheat warrior; the top notch tinnie; the luscious longneck; and the fucking great frothie. The undying love has led to Knight and bandmate John McKeering dedicating their tenth album to the beloved beer. 

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Not beating around the bush, the album is titled I Really Like Beer, featuring tracks where the beverage is at the forefront, with their nailgun hammering punk pulses pushing forward their agenda.

It begs the question, what makes a good beer?

“One that ignites conversation and it’s that simple,” says Knight. “I’ve never knocked any beer but I think one that has people chatting in a positive way is the best kind. Over the years we’ve had the best conversations over beer, before shows, after shows in the back green room, around the world – beer that brings people together in my book is the best kind.”

To mark the momentous occasion of hitting double digits in the album library, and to honour the great carbonated brew, the Psychos are heading out on the road for their most ambitious tour to date. Thirsty to get back on the road, the Psychos are playing 40 shows in all pockets of the country.

“I had to consider what made me happy, and does working on a dusty farm doing monotonous jobs day in and day out make me happy? Not really – does touring make me happy? Absolutely! It’s getting together with mates, having a beer and catching up over music. It’s kept me going for all these years and I wouldn’t change it,” explains Knight. 

“It’s not my 9am-5pm, and I couldn’t do it full time because it’s hectic and demanding, but it’s always there for me to go back to. My earth-moving work is seasonal but it’s hard work. It’s nice to be able to balance it out, and while we can, we’re going to play our songs like it’s our last show.”

 

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It’s this mentally that has allowed Cosmic Psychos to stay together for over four decades. The deep respect for each other’s outside commitments and what they value at the time is never a burden or nail in the coffin. Drummer Dean Muller decided not to join the band on this next chapter – a decision entirely respected by Knight and McKeering. In his place, Psychos have enlisted two standup bangers to bring the beats. Dan Peters of Mudhoney and Nirvana fame is on drumming duties for the first leg and young whippersnapper BC from Dune Rats jumps up for the second stretch. 

“BC actually did a little run with us this last year in between some Dune Rats shows and then he popped over to Europe with us. He’s an absolute gun, and is just such a lovely bloke too. And Dan, well he’s one heck of a drummer so it’s going to be a killer tour,” he says.

While band lineups may have changed over the years, one thing certainly hasn’t – Knight’s attitude towards punk and playing. When he discovered punk in the 80’s the genre was all about attitude. It didn’t matter if you were a master player but the attitude had to be there. Now, Knight thinks punk is still about attitude but in perhaps a different way.

“When punk first popped up, you didn’t have to know how to play your instrument properly – it was all about doing whatever you were capable of doing. Then with the right attitude, it just turns it into a bit of fun, and then when I found out that you can’t do all after that being too serious about yourself, I think that changed things. I think that’s what I would say to bands is don’t take yourself too seriously. It’s a wonderful thing if people come along and enjoy what you do, but first things first is just enjoy what you do.”

No wonder the man is a podcast host discussing mental health with musicians on How Ya Goin? (with Dr Knighty). That kind of positivity is infectious and has allowed Cosmic Psychos to continue their music legacy.

Check your own attitude before heading along to see Cosmic Psychos at one of their 13 Victorian shows, and be sure to grab a pint on your entry. It would be rude not to!

Grab your tickets here.