Alex the Astronaut Unleashes Their Rawest Emotions in Rage and All Its Friends

In Rage and All Its Friends, Alex the Astronaut delves into grief, frustration, and self-discovery with a new openness and grit. Moving beyond the bright introspection of their previous work, this EP reveals an artist unafraid to confront their tumultuous feelings head-on and, crucially, to do so in the company of friends. These six tracks capture the stark honesty and occasional humour needed to navigate life’s roughest patches, transforming anger, sadness, and healing into relatable anthems for anyone dealing with life’s inevitable lows.
The EP’s opening track, “Cold Pizza,” co-written with legendary Australian songwriter Paul Kelly, sets the tone for the raw authenticity that defines the entire project. With a humble line about eating pizza on the floor evolving into a poignant ballad, this song illustrates Alex’s gift for turning everyday moments into profound reflections on love and loss. Kelly’s influence is tangible; the duet brims with vulnerability and bittersweet nostalgia, creating an unforgettable, moving introduction.
“If You Have To Go” is another deeply personal track written during Troye Sivan’s World Pride songwriting camp. Its slow-burning melody and poignant lyrics convey Alex’s feelings of loss and unfulfilled connections. Here, Alex’s voice aches with sincerity, and with the inclusion of their first guitar solo, the song becomes a standout that marks their creative evolution. There’s a feeling of collective mourning, resonating with the shared sadness felt during the writing camp, and its rawness leaves a lasting impact.
“Road Rage,” produced by Gordi, injects an energetic burst of humour and catharsis into the EP. This song confronts pent-up anger and frustration, channelled into shouting fits at careless drivers — an amusing and relatable metaphor for the helpless rage many felt during the pandemic. Alex turns the frustrations of daily life into something cathartic and relatable, underscoring the EP’s recurring theme of facing, rather than ignoring, one’s emotions.
Contrasting the high-energy tracks, “Numb” is a meditation on the sensation of burnout and disconnection. Written on a train ride through Italy, it perfectly captures the feeling of watching life pass by without feeling engaged. The subdued tone and reflective lyrics capture a universal moment of attempting to reconnect with life after a period of emotional distance, and it feels like a much-needed pause in the EP’s emotional journey.
“Change,” inspired by Audre Lorde’s words on anger and transformation, is perhaps the most politically charged track on the EP. Alex aims at the slow pace of societal progress, especially within the male-dominated music industry. With a refrain, Lisa Mitchell sings, “Change” channels righteous anger yet also carries a sense of hope for a more equitable world, giving listeners a powerful, heartfelt call to action.
The EP’s final track, “Actually The End,” closes this emotional journey on a contemplative note. Written with Benjamin Francis Leftwich, it explores the problematic acceptance of a breakup’s finality. Alex’s lyrics here are strikingly honest, portraying the universal feeling of letting go with authenticity and grace. It’s a gentle reminder of the inevitability of life’s endings and the importance of processing grief fully — a fitting close to an EP that never shies away from facing difficult emotions.
The EP cover, designed by ARIA Award-winning artist Connor Dewhurst, visually encapsulates this powerful emotional journey. With striking imagery that complements the EP’s themes, it reinforces Alex’s message of confronting big emotions with bravery and humour.
Rage and All Its Friends is not just an EP — it’s an invitation for listeners to sit with their sadness, laugh at their frustrations, and find comfort in shared experiences. This release showcases Alex the Astronaut’s artistic growth and courage in the face of vulnerability, resulting in their most intimate and compelling project yet.

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