Welcome back, looking forward to the journey once again. Great opening to the year!

Welcome back, looking forward to the journey once again. Great opening to the year!

WB WB! (welcome back, weekly beats!)

yea, 2025 felt like a blink of an eye for me too!
I dig the track. The panning "wheep" sound feels like the audio equivalent of whack-a-mole. Which, I know. Sounds super weird.
So. much. sound.

here's to getting our kicks in 2026!

WB WB! (welcome back, weekly beats!) yea, 2025 felt like a blink of an eye for me too! I dig the track. The panning "wheep" sound feels like the audio equivalent of whack-a-mole. Which, I know. Sounds super weird. So. much. sound. here's to getting our kicks in 2026!

Sick groove in this track propulses by the bass and the drum beats!
The guitars take to the track to the next level.

Good to see you again in 2026 and let’s have good music!

Sick groove in this track propulses by the bass and the drum beats! The guitars take to the track to the next level. Good to see you again in 2026 and let’s have good music!

This is a mood mixture that works really nicely. Excitement and anticipation in the rising guitars and synths, the fast drum break, and the post-rock-ish chord changes. But also silliness in the "wheep" synths, the lyrics, and the Peter Gunn-style bass groove. Like a pep talk: "Feel that nervous energy of a new challenge, but remember this is all for fun, too."

This is a mood mixture that works really nicely. Excitement and anticipation in the rising guitars and synths, the fast drum break, and the post-rock-ish chord changes. But also silliness in the "wheep" synths, the lyrics, and the Peter Gunn-style bass groove. Like a pep talk: "Feel that nervous energy of a new challenge, but remember this is all for fun, too."

Super catchy bass right away and love the powerful drum sound.  All the added synths and guitars create this cool interweaving feel that gives me hope for the new year.  Always great to see you back for WB!  Let's go!

Super catchy bass right away and love the powerful drum sound. All the added synths and guitars create this cool interweaving feel that gives me hope for the new year. Always great to see you back for WB! Let's go!

yesssss! So glad you're back! Excellent start to the year, love the guitar work and the drums that keep things moving.

yesssss! So glad you're back! Excellent start to the year, love the guitar work and the drums that keep things moving.

Welcome baaaaaack, friend!!! So great to see you here again
And kicking things off super nicely too! I think my favorite thing here are the drums. They just feel super full, snappy and a little crunchy, too. Really great start!!!
LFG WB 2026!!!!!

Welcome baaaaaack, friend!!! So great to see you here again <3 And kicking things off super nicely too! I think my favorite thing here are the drums. They just feel super full, snappy and a little crunchy, too. Really great start!!! LFG WB 2026!!!!!

For sure feels like a blink of eye between WBs... but glad to be back after it. 

I love that higher pitched like synths string sound that come ~1:03.  It almost feels longing... it yearns to be in more beats. 

For sure feels like a blink of eye between WBs... but glad to be back after it. I love that higher pitched like synths string sound that come ~1:03. It almost feels longing... it yearns to be in more beats.

Super creative. Happy to see you again.

Wish you a great 2026!

Super creative. Happy to see you again. Wish you a great 2026!

Happy Kicks In 2026!

Happy Kicks In 2026! [img]https://media0.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExYnBmNGkxMDZ6Y2JkNTgycWpnajBlbXIzZmt6dzQwN2NtdzgyZzZ5ZyZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/wXgYke9dJC1CYpnXvx/giphy.gif[/img]

Sounds great! Super playful. “Remember to have fun” is great advice and really too easy to forget.

Sounds great! Super playful. “Remember to have fun” is great advice and really too easy to forget.

Very uplifting and has some nice in-your-face power to it, but in a nicer way. The drums in the front of the mix work nicely and balance the spidery guitar work in effectively! A great starting shot for the year...

Very uplifting and has some nice in-your-face power to it, but in a nicer way. The drums in the front of the mix work nicely and balance the spidery guitar work in effectively! A great starting shot for the year...

lovely track, great drums. And I definitely feel you on the time passing, it goes by in a blink

lovely track, great drums. And I definitely feel you on the time passing, it goes by in a blink

Hey Cosmic Cairns, thank you for your words and fresh tunes. You still know how to Rock n Roll…unfortunately I am not ready for the challenge this year. But I am glad now, that I can listen to all my heroes in 2026 and come back when the time is right. All the best for you and your family in 2026.

Hey Cosmic Cairns, thank you for your words and fresh tunes. You still know how to Rock n Roll…unfortunately I am not ready for the challenge this year. But I am glad now, that I can listen to all my heroes in 2026 and come back when the time is right. All the best for you and your family in 2026.

Very cool track! Great to hear your latest news! Nice drums and eerie synth. That guitar seems on a different tempo... But whatev!
You said it well about having fun and showing up, and embracing imperfection.
Welcome back, let's go!

Very cool track! Great to hear your latest news! Nice drums and eerie synth. That guitar seems on a different tempo... But whatev! You said it well about having fun and showing up, and embracing imperfection. Welcome back, let's go!

Cosmic! nice to see and hear you back! we gotta get our kicks while we can, eh? here's to a year of sweet tunes!

Cosmic! nice to see and hear you back! we gotta get our kicks while we can, eh? here's to a year of sweet tunes!

Awesome as usual, pal! I suspect I'm out this year as my inspiration has left the building, I suppose. Happy new year and I look forward to checking in occasionally.

Awesome as usual, pal! I suspect I'm out this year as my inspiration has left the building, I suppose. Happy new year and I look forward to checking in occasionally.

Welcome! Happy to hear you! This has me shimmying happily. I'm ready to get my kicks! Big drum fills sneaking in here, love the drums. That bassline so nice. Ready for new tricks too. Let's go!

Welcome! Happy to hear you! This has me shimmying happily. I'm ready to get my kicks! Big drum fills sneaking in here, love the drums. That bassline so nice. Ready for new tricks too. Let's go!

  Thanks!  And thanks for being my first comment of the year!

No, I totally like that image of the audio whack-a-mole.  It makes sense to me.

Thanks, and good to see you back, too.  Here's to good music!

Yeah, that synth sound is a little silly for sure.  It's definitely important to remember the primary reason to do this is to have fun.

  I feel a little hopeful, too.  I hope that hopeful feeling can last for a while.  Glad you're back as well!

Good to be back and glad to see you here for another round as well.  Let's do it!

I was playing around with some blown out distortion sounds on the drums, which probably contributes to the crunchiness.  Glad to see you back, too!

  Each year seems to go faster, but 2025 was crazy fast.  Still, I think I overall feel better during WB years, so glad to be back.  And maybe that synth sound will have to make another appearance at some point!

Thanks so much!  I hope 2026 is great for you, too.

  Now I feel like I should travel on route 66 in 2026 to get my kicks.

[quote=mzunguko]Welcome back, looking forward to the journey once again. Great opening to the year![/quote] Thanks! And thanks for being my first comment of the year! [quote=As_Yoesual]WB WB! (welcome back, weekly beats!) yea, 2025 felt like a blink of an eye for me too! I dig the track. The panning "wheep" sound feels like the audio equivalent of whack-a-mole. Which, I know. Sounds super weird. So. much. sound. here's to getting our kicks in 2026! [/quote]No, I totally like that image of the audio whack-a-mole. It makes sense to me. [quote=Kedbreak136]Sick groove in this track propulses by the bass and the drum beats! The guitars take to the track to the next level. Good to see you again in 2026 and let’s have good music![/quote]Thanks, and good to see you back, too. Here's to good music! [quote=sleepside]This is a mood mixture that works really nicely. Excitement and anticipation in the rising guitars and synths, the fast drum break, and the post-rock-ish chord changes. But also silliness in the "wheep" synths, the lyrics, and the Peter Gunn-style bass groove. Like a pep talk: "Feel that nervous energy of a new challenge, but remember this is all for fun, too."[/quote]Yeah, that synth sound is a little silly for sure. It's definitely important to remember the primary reason to do this is to have fun. [quote=Tone Matrix]Super catchy bass right away and love the powerful drum sound. All the added synths and guitars create this cool interweaving feel that gives me hope for the new year. Always great to see you back for WB! Let's go![/quote] I feel a little hopeful, too. I hope that hopeful feeling can last for a while. Glad you're back as well! [quote=SQF]yesssss! So glad you're back! Excellent start to the year, love the guitar work and the drums that keep things moving. [/quote]Good to be back and glad to see you here for another round as well. Let's do it! [quote=jegasus]Welcome baaaaaack, friend!!! So great to see you here again <3 And kicking things off super nicely too! I think my favorite thing here are the drums. They just feel super full, snappy and a little crunchy, too. Really great start!!! LFG WB 2026!!!!![/quote]I was playing around with some blown out distortion sounds on the drums, which probably contributes to the crunchiness. Glad to see you back, too! [quote=Napear]For sure feels like a blink of eye between WBs... but glad to be back after it. I love that higher pitched like synths string sound that come ~1:03. It almost feels longing... it yearns to be in more beats. [/quote] Each year seems to go faster, but 2025 was crazy fast. Still, I think I overall feel better during WB years, so glad to be back. And maybe that synth sound will have to make another appearance at some point! [quote=djippy]Super creative. Happy to see you again. Wish you a great 2026![/quote]Thanks so much! I hope 2026 is great for you, too. [quote=RajaTheResidentAlien]Happy Kicks In 2026! [img]https://media0.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExYnBmNGkxMDZ6Y2JkNTgycWpnajBlbXIzZmt6dzQwN2NtdzgyZzZ5ZyZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/wXgYke9dJC1CYpnXvx/giphy.gif[/img][/quote] Now I feel like I should travel on route 66 in 2026 to get my kicks.

It's something I try to keep in the forefront of my mind.  If this isn't fun, why are we doing it really?

I like the idea of in your face, but in a nicer way.  It seems like a good ethos.

It really flies by.  It's kind of scary, but there's no stopping it.

Hey Q-Rosh!  It's really good to hear from you.  I understand that you've to to be in the right space to take on this challenge.  Take whatever time you need, but I hope you'll jump back in at some point this year.  I miss going on the epic sonic journeys you concoct.

I definitely want to hone in on areas that need work and improve what I can, but I'm okay with imperfection, too.  I think music actually loses something when it gets "too" perfect.  It starts to miss that human element, I suppose.  Thanks for listening and commenting!

Indeed.  Kicks seem harder to come by these days, so you gotta take 'em where you can get 'em.  Glad to see you back for another round as well and look forward to seeing what you cook up for us this year.

Hey, good to hear from you!  Thanks for dropping in to listen.  As far as participating, if you're not feeling it, you're not feeling it.  But who knows?  Maybe you could turn it into monthly beats or something?  Definitely hit me up if you drop anything new!

I'm hopeful I'll learn a few new tricks this year, but I'm becoming more of the proverbial old dog with each passing year, so fingers crossed!

[quote=Suhpos]Sounds great! Super playful. “Remember to have fun” is great advice and really too easy to forget.[/quote]It's something I try to keep in the forefront of my mind. If this isn't fun, why are we doing it really? [quote=Ashen Simian]Very uplifting and has some nice in-your-face power to it, but in a nicer way. The drums in the front of the mix work nicely and balance the spidery guitar work in effectively! A great starting shot for the year...[/quote]I like the idea of in your face, but in a nicer way. It seems like a good ethos. [quote=Bleeoop]lovely track, great drums. And I definitely feel you on the time passing, it goes by in a blink[/quote]It really flies by. It's kind of scary, but there's no stopping it. [quote=Q-Rosh]Hey Cosmic Cairns, thank you for your words and fresh tunes. You still know how to Rock n Roll…unfortunately I am not ready for the challenge this year. But I am glad now, that I can listen to all my heroes in 2026 and come back when the time is right. All the best for you and your family in 2026.[/quote]Hey Q-Rosh! It's really good to hear from you. I understand that you've to to be in the right space to take on this challenge. Take whatever time you need, but I hope you'll jump back in at some point this year. I miss going on the epic sonic journeys you concoct. [quote=horatiuromantic]Very cool track! Great to hear your latest news! Nice drums and eerie synth. That guitar seems on a different tempo... But whatev! You said it well about having fun and showing up, and embracing imperfection. Welcome back, let's go![/quote]I definitely want to hone in on areas that need work and improve what I can, but I'm okay with imperfection, too. I think music actually loses something when it gets "too" perfect. It starts to miss that human element, I suppose. Thanks for listening and commenting! [quote=jwh]Cosmic! nice to see and hear you back! we gotta get our kicks while we can, eh? here's to a year of sweet tunes![/quote]Indeed. Kicks seem harder to come by these days, so you gotta take 'em where you can get 'em. Glad to see you back for another round as well and look forward to seeing what you cook up for us this year. [quote=cfurrow]Awesome as usual, pal! I suspect I'm out this year as my inspiration has left the building, I suppose. Happy new year and I look forward to checking in occasionally.[/quote]Hey, good to hear from you! Thanks for dropping in to listen. As far as participating, if you're not feeling it, you're not feeling it. But who knows? Maybe you could turn it into monthly beats or something? Definitely hit me up if you drop anything new! [quote=miraclemiles]Welcome! Happy to hear you! This has me shimmying happily. I'm ready to get my kicks! Big drum fills sneaking in here, love the drums. That bassline so nice. Ready for new tricks too. Let's go! [/quote]I'm hopeful I'll learn a few new tricks this year, but I'm becoming more of the proverbial old dog with each passing year, so fingers crossed!

really cool!  i somehow did not expect guitars, reading the comments mentioning them and then there they were, nice!

i really like the drums as well, did you play them on a drum kit or did you program them?  (and if you programmed them, how?!)

really cool! i somehow did not expect guitars, reading the comments mentioning them and then there they were, nice! i really like the drums as well, did you play them on a drum kit or did you program them? (and if you programmed them, how?!)

Thanks! I often like to blend synth and guitar sounds.  For the drums I just used a virtual drum kit, mixed and matched some grooves to fit the structure of the song, and then slapped a little distortion on the top.  Nothing super fancy at the end of the day, but it gets the job done.

[quote=friendlyperiscope]really cool! i somehow did not expect guitars, reading the comments mentioning them and then there they were, nice! i really like the drums as well, did you play them on a drum kit or did you program them? (and if you programmed them, how?!)[/quote]Thanks! I often like to blend synth and guitar sounds. For the drums I just used a virtual drum kit, mixed and matched some grooves to fit the structure of the song, and then slapped a little distortion on the top. Nothing super fancy at the end of the day, but it gets the job done.

Welcome back. It's good to hear your stuff again.
- Devieus

Welcome back. It's good to hear your stuff again. - Devieus

my DUDE so glad you are back
love the tribal / tom / kick excitement

great vocals at the end

ps Frost Giant Wake Up Service still lives rent free in my head, years later

my DUDE so glad you are back love the tribal / tom / kick excitement great vocals at the end ps Frost Giant Wake Up Service still lives rent free in my head, years later

happy new year cosmic cairns!

[img]https://media3.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExZDA1d2JtajdsN3NjdjFtaW1jMWh3M3JnNzRzZDlsaTZ2bGlhMXR2eCZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/LoOQEZDTP3N3uJeXM8/giphy.gif[/img] happy new year cosmic cairns!

Thanks!  It's good to be back and still able to make stuff.

Thanks for the kind words!  And you should totally do a cover version of Frost Giant Wake Up Service.  I'd love to hear your take on it.

Thanks, and happy new year to you (and jwh) as well!

[quote=DESLRV]Welcome back. It's good to hear your stuff again. - Devieus[/quote]Thanks! It's good to be back and still able to make stuff. [quote=orangedrink]my DUDE so glad you are back love the tribal / tom / kick excitement great vocals at the end ps Frost Giant Wake Up Service still lives rent free in my head, years later[/quote]Thanks for the kind words! And you should totally do a cover version of Frost Giant Wake Up Service. I'd love to hear your take on it. [quote=emily][img]https://media3.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExZDA1d2JtajdsN3NjdjFtaW1jMWh3M3JnNzRzZDlsaTZ2bGlhMXR2eCZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/LoOQEZDTP3N3uJeXM8/giphy.gif[/img] happy new year cosmic cairns![/quote]Thanks, and happy new year to you (and jwh) as well!

Hey! Long overdue thanks and hello!

It's got amazing "cozy" vibe while being really energetic. I don't know how you managed that, but I dig it.

(also sick quick drum fills - they are bit surreal in the best meaning of this word)

Ending felt a bit too much, mix-wise, just a bit too much happening. But it's fringes on nitpicking tbh.

Great song, can't wait to hear your next entry!

Hey! Long overdue thanks and hello! It's got amazing "cozy" vibe while being really energetic. I don't know how you managed that, but I dig it. (also sick quick drum fills - they are bit surreal in the best meaning of this word) Ending felt a bit too much, mix-wise, just a bit too much happening. But it's fringes on nitpicking tbh. Great song, can't wait to hear your next entry! :D

Thanks!  Sometimes I can't help but pile stuff on, especially for endings, but I agree that less can sometimes be more.

[quote=dreat]Hey! Long overdue thanks and hello! It's got amazing "cozy" vibe while being really energetic. I don't know how you managed that, but I dig it. (also sick quick drum fills - they are bit surreal in the best meaning of this word) Ending felt a bit too much, mix-wise, just a bit too much happening. But it's fringes on nitpicking tbh. Great song, can't wait to hear your next entry! :D[/quote]Thanks! Sometimes I can't help but pile stuff on, especially for endings, but I agree that less can sometimes be more.

Welcome back! The drums hit hard in this one, I dig it

Welcome back! The drums hit hard in this one, I dig it

Thanks!!!  It's certainly good to be back.  And good to see you back, too!

[quote=Sodabelly]Welcome back! The drums hit hard in this one, I dig it[/quote]Thanks!!! It's certainly good to be back. And good to see you back, too!