Prolific multi-platinum Australian artist Crooked Colours today announces his fourth studio album Dirt Road Gold, set for release Friday August 21st 2026. Alongside the announcement an upcoming multi-date Australian tour and drop of his latest single from the LP, ‘Oxford’. Once a trio now solely led by lead singer Philip Slabber, this is a deeply personal and career defining moment for Crooked Colours, his vulnerability on display as he steps through to the dawn of a new era. Pushing the boundaries of his own musical scope and in turn flawlessly delivering. Slabber effortlessly genre-hops through Dirt Road Gold, from alternative euphoric builds to upbeat melodies to electronic stabs alongside his instantly recognisable heartbreaking vocals; stacked to perfection. Available to pre-save here.
Speaking of the overall process, creativity and what to expect from Dirt Road Gold Slabber shares, “The inspiration for the album wasn’t one single thing, it was movement. Change. The push and pull between holding onto what’s familiar and letting it go. There were moments of isolation, but also a lot of clarity in that space. Sonically, I wanted it to feel expansive but intimate at the same time, something that could live in a club but still hit you when you’re alone driving at night. I want you to be able to hear the moments.”
An industry heavyweight both locally and abroad with nods from Billboard, NME and Dancing Astronaut, Crooked Colours continually craft a distinctive soundscape with over a decade of multifaceted experience. Known for bridging the gap between indie and electronic music, ‘Oxford’ succeeds the Rolling Stone AUNZ featured-single ‘Pink Limo’ followed by ‘Come Thru’, all calling Dirt Road Gold home. Showcasing the calibre and hinting at the dynamic of the overall album. Effortlessly navigating sonic moments of light and shade, a true stand-out in the current global dance scene, and highlighting Slabber’s unparalleled storytelling ability.
With a dedicated following as a cornerstone of the Australian music scene, the upcoming Dirt Road Gold tour kicking off in October will see Crooked Colours perform at Freo. Social in Fremantle, Metro Theatre in Sydney, Northcote Theatre in Melbourne, Lion Arts Factory in Adelaide, Brisbane’s The Triffid and Byron Bay’s The Northern.
Of-late, 2025 saw Crooked Colours take on a national tour before making his way across Europe hitting London, Paris, Berlin and more. Having notably performed at Laneway Festival, Falls Festival, Beyond The Valley, Red Rocks, Bonnaroo, Grooving The Moo, Spilt Milk and Splendour In The Grass, Slabber has continually earnt a dedicated following as an institution in the dance realm.
As one of the globe’s most reliable and energetic Australian exports, previous albums Vera (2017), Langata (2019) and triple j Feature Album Tomorrows (2022), all encompassing the brooding, sun-kissed euphoria of Crooked Colours. Collectively delivering standout tracks including ARIA Platinum accredited records ‘Flow’ and ‘Do It Like You’, alongside Gold singles ‘I Hope You Get It’, ‘I’ll Be There’, ‘Hold On’ and ‘Love Language’; quickly surpassing one billion streams worldwide across all platforms and counting.
Highlighted collaborations with Don Toliver, Masked Wolf and Ladyhawke alongside official remixes from Claptone, HOSH, Kyle Watson, SNBRN, Alison Wonderland, Hermitude and Bag Raiders all adding to the culture and escape that is Crooked Colours. Dirt Road Gold and all that it embodies, will no doubt add to the act’s long and growing list of accolades.
Crooked Colours’ Dirt Road Gold LP is set for release on Friday August 21st 2026.
Pre-save/pre-order here
BUY/STREAM: CROOKED COLOURS – OXFORD
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