The Melbourne band follow the ARIA Top 10 success of Rae Street with a contrasting piano-led studio album, bringing the original trio together for a new run of full-band performances.
Things of Stone and Wood have released their second studio album of 2026, with The Final Forest following the successful return of the Melbourne band earlier this year with Rae Street, their first album of new material in 23 years. The new record takes the group in a different musical direction, trading the intimate bedroom-folk production of its predecessor for a piano-centred sound inspired by classic 1970s studio recordings.
The release comes less than eight months after Rae Street debuted in the ARIA Australian Top 10. That album marked a significant return for a band whose recording history stretches back to the late 1980s. Its release was followed by a nearly sold-out national tour featuring the Original Duo of Greg Arnold and Michael Allen.
The Final Forest continues the creative momentum of that reunion but represents a deliberate change in approach. Rather than repeat the stripped-back arrangements of Rae Street, Things of Stone and Wood have built the new album around a live piano trio, with Arnold on piano and vocals, Allen on bass and vocals, and Tony Floyd on drums and vocals.
The production draws on the character of 1970s studio recordings, placing piano and vocal arrangements at the centre of the album. The three musicians also revisit one of the defining characteristics of the band’s early sound, their close three-part harmonies, developed during their formative years singing together in a share house.
The title track was released ahead of the album as its lead single. Arnold has described the song as capturing the record’s 1970s musical direction and his own interpretation of a ‘Let It Be’ dream.
The ten-track album moves through songs including ‘The Hills of Johanna’, ‘Open My Eyes’, ‘Miles Away’, ‘Wither on the Vine’, ‘For The Lovers’ and ‘Take To The Skies’, alongside the title track.
The Final Forest is available on CD, limited-edition 180-gram green vinyl and digital formats.
The album’s musical direction will also influence the band’s upcoming performances. While the Rae Street tour centred on Arnold and Allen, the new album launch shows bring Floyd back into the touring lineup, presenting the same trio responsible for the recording.
That does not mean the band are abandoning the acoustic instrumentation that helped establish their identity. Acoustic guitars, mandolins, accordions, recorders and tambourine will continue to feature alongside the piano-led material. The performances will also revisit familiar songs from the band’s catalogue, including ‘Happy Birthday Helen’, ‘Wildflowers’, ‘Rock This Boat’ and ‘Share This Wine’.
The contrast between the two 2026 albums offers an opportunity to hear different sides of Things of Stone and Wood within the same creative period. Rae Street reintroduced the band through a more intimate recording approach, while The Final Forest expands the arrangements and returns the musicians to a fuller ensemble sound.
Formed in Melbourne in the late 1980s, Things of Stone and Wood became one of Australia’s recognisable acoustic acts during the early 1990s. Their breakthrough came with ‘Happy Birthday Helen’, while their album The Yearning further established their national following. ARIA and APRA recognition, extensive touring and a distinctive approach to acoustic songwriting helped secure their place in Australian music.
The release of two albums in 2026, following a 23-year gap between studio records, represents an unusually productive chapter for the group. Rather than simply revisit their past, Arnold, Allen and Floyd have used the opportunity to explore different arrangements and recording styles while retaining the harmonies and songwriting that have defined their music.
The Final Forest Album Launch Tour begins in Melbourne on 3 November before travelling through Brisbane, Canberra, Avoca Beach, Sydney and Western Australia during November.
The January dates in Tasmania will feature Things of Stone and Wood in their acoustic configuration.
Things of Stone and Wood – The Final Forest Tracklisting
1. The Hills of Johanna
2. The Final Forest
3. Open My Eyes
4. Miles Away
5. One Day
6. Wither on the Vine
7. Take Me Home
8. For The Lovers
9. They Disappear
10. Take To The Skies
Things of Stone and Wood – The Final Forest Tour
Tuesday 3 November – Brunswick Ballroom, Melbourne VIC
Friday 13 November – Lefty’s Music Hall, Brisbane QLD
Saturday 14 November – Belconnen Arts Centre, Canberra ACT
Sunday 15 November – Avoca Beach Theatre, Avoca Beach NSW
Thursday 19 November – Camelot Lounge, Sydney NSW
Friday 20 November – Ellington Jazz Club, Perth WA
Saturday 21 November – Freo Folk Festival, Fremantle WA
Friday 15 January – Royal Oak Tavern, Launceston TAS
Saturday 16 January – Penguin Beer Co, Penguin TAS
Sunday 17 January – Longley Hotel, Longley TAS
The January Tasmania performances will feature the acoustic configuration.
Tickets and details: www.thingsofstoneandwood.com
Stay updated with your free Noise11.com daily music news email alert. Subscribe to Noise11 Music News here
Be the first to see NOISE11.com’s newest interviews and special features on YouTube. See things first—Subscribe to Noise11 on YouTube
Follow Noise11.com on social media:
Bluesky
Facebook – Comment on the news of the day
