Under the guise of Trappist Afterland, Adam G Cole has carved out an uncompromising and often exciting back catalogue of acidic spiritual folk that weaves Eastern time signatures, ethereal drones and meditative audio journeys.

Adam Geoffrey Cole is probably best known for the albums he released with various choice contributors under the banner of Trappist Afterland, who have become a byword for some of the most genuinely exciting, ambitious and innovative psych folk over the last decade. Whether considering 2016’s ornate and detailed ‘God’s Good Earth’, or last year’s epically scaled but deeply personal ‘Seaside Ghost Tales’, Trappist offered a highly individual approach that encompassed gnostic beliefs, personal philosophy and a tangible love and reverence for underground 60’s and 70’s acid folk.

Utilising a selection of exotic and unusual instrumentation, comparisons with The Incredible String Band were certainly close to the mark in reflecting the sheer quality of Trappist’s output, and a useful signifier for fans of similar musical terrain; however, they do not adequately describe the unerring uniqueness of Trappist’s work or of Cole’s distinct vision.

Adam Geoffrey Cole (Trappist Afterland) will be launching his 10th studio record - Evergreen, Walk To Paradise Garden featuring David Tibet (Current 93), Matt Malone (The Holy Spirits), Angeline Morrison...

'(5/5 stars) Melodies that easily knot themselves around the pleasure centres of the brain'- SHINDIG Magazine UK

'(4/5 stars) Trappist Afterland weave arcane webs of sacred charm and diabolic prophecy'.- Record Collector UK

Matt Malone is an iconoclastic singer-songwriter hailing from the goldfields region of country Victoria, Australia. His bold baritone and carefully crafted songs have been likened to The Man In Black - Johnny Cash, gospel preacher - David Eugene Edwards, poetic folk troubadour - Townes Van Zandt and tenebrous lyrical princes - Nick Cave, Mark Lanegan + Michael Gira.

In 2023, Malone released the critically acclaimed LP - For The Term Of My Natural Life (Vinyl, CD, Digital - VRS Records), solidifying his status as one of the Australian underground’s most revered and literate songwriters.

Malone and his band The Holy Spirits (Anthony Cornish + Ash Jones) are currently performing shows in support of their latest EP - Made In The Image, Vol. 1, featuring songs by PJ Harvey, Bob Dylan and Lou Reed.

Malone's version of the John Lee Hooker song - I'm Bad Like Jesse James was shared / endorsed by the Official John Lee Hooker Estate and had Henry Wagons saying - “what a powerful rendition of the John Lee Hooker classic I’m Bad Like Jesse James from bluesman and twang artisan - Matt Malone… I like that!”

'★★★★’

- Sydney Morning Herald

'★★★★’

- Backseat Mafia

"Malone mines life's dark shadows in a similar way to Nick Cave or foreign antecedents like Merle Haggard and Bob Dylan. It's an album of singular vision, unrelenting in its intensity..."

- Rhythms Magazine

"Matt Malone & The Holy Spirits sound like a Ennio Morricone score for a Cormac McCarthy movie.”

- Americana UK

"Matt Malone resonates with echoes of Johnny Cash, Leonard Cohen and the greats... his latest single (The Stranger) embodies his unique style and lyrical genius."

- Anthony De Filipis