After almost two decades in the popular roots duo Busby Marou, Tom Busby finally makes his solo debut. Though named for the Australian city from which he hails, Rockhampton Hangover was recorded with American singer-songwriter Ben Kweller at Kweller’s ranch outside of Austin, Texas. Busby brought along his Texan wife, Huma, and their four kids for the sessions, adding another layer of family themes to an album already influenced by the death of Busby’s father. Busby mentions his dad during “Waiting for Tomorrow”, and the man’s presence looms large elsewhere too. But this seasoned songwriter knows very well how to shake up his subject matter. Album opener “Cyclone” is all about the risk of stepping away from his famous musical pairing, while Huma inspired both the rascally love song “Crazy” and the soulmate-themed “Lottery”. Long-time fans will expect a certain folky twang from Busby, but he actually leans into country for the first time here, even adding some fiddle and steel guitar. Yet the strongest takeaway is the undiluted sense of intimacy: The piano ballad “In the Dark” was originally conceived as a duet with folk legend Patty Griffin, but it proved to be more powerful with Busby singing all on his own. And during “Stalemate”, you just might be able to hear his children playing in the background while flouting their bedtime.