The Deluge (Fanning Dempsey National Park album)

Fanning and Dempsey have been prevalent in the Australian music scene since the 1990s, with their groups, Powderfinger and Something for Kate respectively. In August 2020, the duo uploaded a cover of "Under Pressure" onto YouTube, which was recorded during the COVID-19 lockdown in Australia. Fanning also contributed backing vocals on the Something for Kate track "Inside Job" on their 2020 album, The Modern Medieval. In April 2024, the duo announced "devious plans" on social media. Upon release of "Disconnect" Fanning confirmed more music saying, "We didn't want it to sound like a Fanning record or a Dempsey record, we wanted it to sound like a band." The album was announced on 30 May 2024. == Singles ==

"Disconnect" was released on 10 May 2024 as the album's lead single, following a fortnight of online teasers. Al Newstead from Australian Broadcasting Corporation called it "a barrelling number on which Fanning and Dempsey trade lead vocals over a triumphant, heartland rock backing." The song was shortlisted for Song o the Year at the APRA Music Awards of 2025. The title track was released on 28 June 2024, which Mary Varvaris from The Music reviewed saying "A song that highlights both of the singers' bands melodic sensibilities with a little dash of Kraftwerk, 'The Deluge' is just the right balance of quirky, 80s-inspired electronic elements and rock and roll." On 2 May 2025, "King Pumpkin" was released, ahead of a national tour. ==Critical reception==

The Courier-Mail said "Think of it as the eight-bit spiritual successor to Regurgitator's Unit." Pace Proctor from The AU Review said "The Deluge is a simultaneous throwback in both genre and concept, with modern production, songwriting and instrumentation that keep it fresh and exciting. While crafting an album that not only pays homage to their musical influences but also boldly carves out new territory for themselves, Fanning and Dempsey provide an exclamation mark on an already stellar run while finding another standout moment in their already illustrious careers." == Track listing ==

Fanning Dempsey National Park • Bernard Fanning – vocals, guitar, synthesizer • Paul Dempsey – vocals, bass, guitar, percussion, synthesizer Additional personnel • Nick DiDia – engineering • Ron Dziubla – saxophone • Adam MacDougall – keyboards, synthesizer • Craig Macfarland – bass • Craig Silvey – production, mixing, drum programming • Dani Bennett Spragg – engineering • Simon Struthers – mastering • Michael Urbano – drum programming, drums == Charts ==

Weekly charts Year-end charts == References ==