BY: DIGITAL WAX MEDIA STAFF
Just in time for peak summer road trips and carefree coastal cruises, The Brothers Comatose have released their new single, “25 Miles,” a sun-drenched ode to friendship, freedom, and the open road. The track, which dropped July 16, is a breezy slice of Americana tailor-made for dusty highways and late-night singalongs.
“‘25 Miles’ is about a journey with friends, being carefree, and letting the experience of the road allow for a momentary escape from the troubles of the world,” explains frontman Ben Morrison. It’s a fitting teaser for what’s shaping up to be one of the band’s most expansive and heartfelt records to date.
That record is Golden Grass, the band’s upcoming full-length album due out September 12. Named after a fan-coined genre that perfectly captures their laidback blend of acoustic roots, California rock, and folk-country influences, Golden Grass sees The Brothers Comatose leaning fully into their West Coast identity—musically and spiritually.
“We have a lot of respect for bluegrass, but it was never in our blood,” Morrison says. “We were raised on California rock and folk and country music, so when we got our hands on some acoustic instruments, that’s just what came out.”
Formed in 2008 by brothers Ben and Alex Morrison, The Brothers Comatose have steadily built a reputation as one of the most joyous live bands on the Americana circuit. With a litany of streams, several impactful records, and countless festival sets under their belt, the band has found success on their own terms
Their new album, Golden Grass, was recorded in fits and starts across the Bay Area with co-producers Greg Holden and Tim Bluhm, and it marks a significant chapter for the band. It’s the first to feature mandolinist Addie Levy, a 23-year-old multi-instrumentalist and vocalist whose arrival brings a fresh spark to the group’s sound.
“Addie’s such an incredible player and brings a really exciting energy,” Morrison says. “She’s not only a great mandolin and fiddle player, she’s also a killer songwriter.”
That collaborative spirit is all over the record. From the sun-kissed swagger of the title track to the poignant “Home Again” (a tribute to wildfire survivors featuring Lindsay Lou), Golden Grass reads like a love letter to California—its people, its landscapes, and its contradictions. Songs like “Hills of San Francisco” and “IPA Song” strike a balance between humor and heart, while tracks like “Blue Mountain” and “My Friend” broaden the band’s horizons with glimpses into Appalachia and deep personal reflection.
Still, for all its range, the album feels grounded—like a backyard jam that just happened to get recorded with top-shelf production. That homespun vibe is no accident.
“Music has always been about community for us,” Morrison reflects. “Our parents used to throw parties where local musicians would just sit around and play. Somebody left a banjo behind one night, and that’s how it all started.”
Fifteen years later, that accidental beginning has become a legacy—and now a genre—of its own. Whether you call it “Golden Grass” or just damn good music, The Brothers Comatose are right where they belong: on the road, guitars in hand, and hearts wide open.
The new single, “25 Miles” is available now on all streaming platforms. Golden Grass arrives September 12.
Photo: The Brothers Comatose – Courtesy of Jessie McCall
Digital Wax 