Cosmic Psychos are an Australian punk rock band from Melbourne, Victoria, comprising of Ross Knight (vocals, bass), Dean Muller (drums), and Robbie Watts (guitar). Formed in 1982, the group have released 11 studio albums, 5 live albums, and numerous singles and compilations.
Cosmic Psychos began as a punk rock trio, playing mostly original material and covers of punk and garage rock bands such as The Stooges and The Sonics. After a few years of honing their sound and playing regular gigs in and around Melbourne, the group signed a deal with the independent label, Citadel Records, in 1985. Their debut album, 'Down on the Farm', was released in 1986 and became an instant classic amongst Australian punk fans. The album featured the now-classic track 'Lost Cause', which is still regarded as one of the best Australian punk songs of all time.
Following the success of 'Down on the Farm', Cosmic Psychos released a string of albums over the next decade, cementing their status as one of the most important Australian punk rock bands of the era. The group's sound evolved over the years, incorporating elements of country, folk, and garage rock into their sound. They also began to tour more extensively, playing shows around Australia, Europe, and North America.
In the 2000s, Cosmic Psychos continued to tour and record, although their output slowed down considerably. They released their last studio album, 'Yeah, Nah', in 2003. The group has since continued to play occasional live shows around Australia, including a brief reunion tour in 2009.
Cosmic Psychos have been cited as an influence by a wide range of bands, including Nirvana, The White Stripes, and The Supersuckers. They are also credited with helping to spawn the 'pub rock' scene in Australia, with their sound and style inspiring a new wave of bands in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Cosmic Psychos have been inducted into the Music Victoria Hall of Fame and have been recognised with a number of ARIA Music Awards nominations. The group's legacy continues to live on in the music of today, with their influence still being felt in the punk rock scene.
