Cowboy Clean's "Grendel" Sets the Mood for his upcoming EP "Rubber Knife" - KALTBLUT Magazine

"Cowboy Clean's new single "Grendel" works as a clear introduction to Matt Leibowitz's current headspace, and it does so without overexplaining itself. Known for his work with Prison, Donald Cumming of The Virgins, and Midnight Hollow, Leibowitz steps into a more personal lane with this new release. "Grendel" feels intentionally unsettled, built on looping melodies and hypnotic repetition that draw the listener inward rather than pushing for immediate payoff."

"The song explores tension and contradiction, reflecting what Leibowitz has described as the push and pull of the beast within. That sense of internal conflict is present throughout the track, which never fully resolves but remains compelling because of it. There is a psychedelic influence running through the sound, but it feels filtered through a modern lens, focused more on mood and persistence than nostalgia."

"The video amplifies the song's impact by leaning fully into trippy visuals and saturated, psychedelic colours. Rather than offering a clear narrative, it mirrors the track's restless energy and abstract ideas. The result is strange in a way that feels intentional and inviting. It is the kind of visual that encourages repeat viewing, especially for those interested in experiencing something that sits outside standard music video conventions."

Cowboy Clean's single "Grendel" presents Matt Leibowitz in a more personal creative lane, using looping melodies and hypnotic repetition to create an intentionally unsettled atmosphere. The song examines tension and contradiction, portraying an internal push-and-pull that never fully resolves yet remains compelling. Psychedelic influences run through the track but are filtered through a modern focus on mood and persistence rather than nostalgia. The accompanying video emphasizes trippy, saturated visuals that mirror the song's restless energy and abstract ideas, encouraging repeat viewing. "Grendel" arrives on streaming platforms January 23 as the first preview of the Rubber Knife EP, due February 13, with additional singles and videos slated before the full release.

Read at KALTBLUT Magazine