Grit, Heart, and the Inner-City Horizon: Frecko Finds Their Spirit in ‘Cowboy is a State of Mind’
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
The Australian alt-country scene has a new set of storytellers who aren’t afraid to get a little dust on their boots—even if those boots are walking the pavement of Sydney’s Inner West. Following their massive #1 ARIA debut, Dreams Are Hard To Sell, the father-son duo Frecko (Jason and Jack Freckelton) have returned with their sophomore effort, Cowboy is a State of Mind.
Set for release on Friday, January 23, via RTC Records, this record is a masterclass in balance: it is equal parts “dust and daylight,” blending the rugged swagger of the outback with the reflective poignancy of modern life.
The Artists: A Legacy of Storytelling
The chemistry behind Frecko is rooted in more than just music; it’s rooted in DNA. Jason Freckelton began his journey with a garage-sale guitar at sixteen, learning the craft through the honest lens of campfire sing-alongs and pub corners. That “three-chord truth” was passed down to his son, Jack, who brought his own coastal energy and musical intuition to the mix.
After years of honing their craft in local outfits like The Leftovers and The Grinning Bellhops, the pair solidified as Frecko. Their identity is built on a shared fascination with the “Australian character”—capturing the quirks, the quiet struggles, and the resilient humor of everyday people.
A Record of Two Worlds
Recorded between 2022 and 2025 at Ziggytone Studios, Cowboy is a State of Mind was born alongside their debut album. While the sessions overlapped, this collection stands as its own distinct chapter. Produced by the veteran duo Lachlan Bryan and Damien Cafarella, the album’s sonic landscape is remarkably diverse. The band notes with a touch of pride that almost every track features a different guitar, creating a rich, textured listen—though the trusty Telecaster remains the heartbeat of the record.
Key Tracks and Creative Directions
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“Bondi”: This track serves as the album’s North Star. As Jason and Jack’s first entirely self-written and self-produced song, it set the creative compass for the rest of the project.
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“Nashville”: A blues-inspired track that brings a heavy dose of swagger and grit.
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“Do I Say I Love You”: A banjo-led moment of charm that highlights the duo’s ability to lean into traditional folk roots.
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“Concrete Cowboy”: The raucous, spaghetti-western-tinged centerpiece of the album. It’s a playful yet biting look at the transition from rural life to the big city.
The “Concrete Cowboy” Phenomenon
The lead single, “Concrete Cowboy,” perfectly encapsulates the album’s theme. It tells the story of selling the ute and moving to the city, only to realize the “cowboy” spirit isn’t confined to the country.
The accompanying music video, directed by Ears and Eyes Creative, is a dramatized “day in the life” shot on the iconic streets of Newtown and Enmore. Featuring a “soy coffee” at dawn and a high-stakes showdown at a train stop, the clip—featuring guest Tony Bartusch—is a visual love letter to the contradictions of being a city-dwelling dreamer.
The Verdict
Cowboy is a State of Mind is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a study of human nature. It roams between the stories of forgotten musicians and “heart-stricken Romeos,” never losing sight of the authenticity that made Frecko a household name.
Whether they are exploring the choices of their past or the “spaghetti-western” energy of the present, Jason and Jack Freckelton have proven that being a cowboy isn’t about where you live—it’s about how you see the world.
Release Date: January 23, 2025
Label: RTC Records
Verdict: A rich, layered, and essential addition to the Australian alt-country canon.