Philly-reared songwriter Josh Ostrander has been at it for over 20 years at this point, with a robust discography spanning multiple projects. Yet it wasn’t until he went solo in the mid-’10s as Mondo Cozmo that he really found his own sound—first on his folk-tinged 2017 debut riffing on the iconic Beatles album, Plastic Soul, and again three years later on New Medicine with its album cover paying homage to the ’60s Greenwich Village scene. Yet even in the songs that Bruce Springsteen’s shadow looms over most, his latest LP It’s PRINCIPLE! feels wholly his own.
Shaken by the passing of his dog—and his current project’s namesake—while the record was coming together, it makes sense that the set of songs dedicated to his longtime companion would be the one that most lucidly displays Mondo Cozmo’s songwriting skills. From the slow-burn alt-rock-radio hits like “Wild Horses” to the frenetic climaxes heard on the title track, It’s PRINCIPLE! sees Mondo firing on all cylinders on a tight 10-song track list, narrowed down from the 70 he initially presented to the album’s producer, Mark Rankin.
With the album officially dropping tomorrow via Last Gang Records (itself celebrating 20 years in the game), you can find an exclusive early stream below, as well as a track-by-track breakdown submitted by Ostrander.
1. “It’s PRINCIPLE!”
I nearly deleted a demo of this song as I thought [producer Mark Rankin] would hate it. As I was going to delete it, Mark texted me saying he thinks it should open the record. I love the urgency of this song. I love the intro noise that was an accident. I love the opening line: “So I’m slashing tires on Main Street America.” Feels right.
2. “Angels”
We tried to recall old U2 on this one. The goal of making the record was, “How much can we do with less?” Instead of three guitars, how much can one do? Stripped back. More intimate. I feel we nailed that vibe with this one.
3. “Here I Am”
I originally had this song opening the album. I love how it builds, and the ending is some of the most powerful [sound] on the album.
4. “Wild Horses”
This song goes hand-in-glove with “Here I Am”—both songs are guided by the bass. The guitar solo was played by my friend Ryan Bernstein. I think it’s unreal. I love the non-traditional arrangement of it, as well.
5. “Killing Floor”
One of the best songs I’ve ever recorded. I’m so proud of this song and the way it turned out. The patience with which it builds and the vocal delivery knocks me out. Very proud.
6. “Sundown in the Age of Fear”
I’m excited for everybody to hear this one. Such a beautiful groove. [Bassist] Chris Null and [drummer] Sean Friday laid down such a beautiful groove. This was the last song to make the album and it didn’t really reveal itself until the mixing stage. I was very happy when it did. I feel it’s a perfect opener to side B, as it keeps the momentum going.
7. “July 4”
One of my favorites. I love the chorus on this one so much, and lyrically this song breaks my heart. Really proud of how this one turned out.
8. “New Salvation”
Mark really crushed the production on this one. I love the way the chorus lifts, and the outro is so powerful to me.
9. “Leave a Light On”
One of the first songs written for the album. Clearly inspired by Springsteen.
10. “I'll Be Around”
We loved the feel of this one, and it felt like a perfect closer to the album.
