Episode 46: Levi Cooper – Raccoon City

Raccoon City. Credit: Mayah Salter.

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For about 15 years now, Adelaide has been home to a stellar outfit called Raccoon City. Though not exactly trailblazers of the screamo and post-hardcore genre in the city, for a while, they were arguably one of the most prominent, setting themselves apart as a leading figure within those circles at a time when the genre du jour was a breezy indie-rock.

Personally, Raccoon City were one of those groups that became rather formative for me during the time I would find myself at gigs in Adelaide. They were a constant presence, played intensely arresting live shows, and became a favourite of mine and others that I knew.

After releasing their debut album Nightlife in 2014, Raccoon City existed for about another year or so before putting things on ice for a while. All the while, folks like myself hoped that a return was inevitable, and thankfully in the midst of COVID the group did indeed return, this time with a stellar new record called For Nobody, Nowhere.

It was the sound of a group having evolved. After all, their lineup had shifted somewhat (to actually include a friend I went to school with), and their music felt bolder, more adventurous, and more mature. Fast-forward another couple of years, and this year they’ve returned again with new album FUGUE.

Once again, it’s a truly impeccable album and one that – if you’re a big fan of emotive vocals, crushing compositions, and passionate performances – you definitely need to listen to.

At the front of the band is Levi Cooper, the vocalist of Raccoon City, which he co-founded with brother Dylan. Over the years, he’s been in a number of bands – a number likely too big to truly do justice to. But this week, he’s managed to find the time to have a chat to me about his most notable band ahead of their new record.

Frankly, it’s just great to have more folks with South Australian accents on the podcast.

Anyway, I strongly urge you to check out Raccoon City’s FUGUE, and once you’re done giving that a spin, have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

Levi Cooper’s Trusty Chords

Levi’s One Influential Artist (And Two Honourable Mentions!)

1. La Dispute
   

2. Underoath

3. My Chemical Romance

Levi’s Three Impactful Albums (And Two Honourable Mentions!)

1. Pianos Become The Teeth – The Lack Long After (2011)

2. The Bled – Found In The Flood (2005)

3. Pinegrove – Pinegrove On Audiotree Live (2016)
   

4. My Chemical Romance – I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love (2002

5. Arctic Monkeys – AM (2013)

Levi’s Five Trusty Songs (And Two Honourable Mentions!)

1. From First To Last – 'The Levy' (2006)

2. Spiritbox – 'Secret Garden' (2021)

3. Joyce Manor – 'Constant Headache' (2013)

4. Arctic Monkeys – 'Do I Wanna Know?' (2013)

5. My Chemical Romance – 'Drowning Lessons' (2002)
   

6. Oso Oso – 'This Must Be My Exit' (2015)

7. Moby – 'When It's Cold I'd Like To Die' (1995)