THE roots of Busby Marou run strong in Central Queensland.

The duo behind the Rockhampton blues band, Thomas Busby and Jeremy Marou, have been entrenched in studios, warming up the vocals for their latest treat.

Not since Farewell Fitzroy in 2013 has the band graced our airwaves with new material, until now.

Busby Marou will launch their fourth album, Postcards from the Shellhouse, at the Great Western Hotel on Saturday, February 18.

Like many of their ground breaking tracks, their connection to this region is evident.

"We have gone back to basics with our new album. We wrote our first album and recorded it in Yeppoon with no help or idea," Thomas explained.

"This time we have a bit more of an idea with three albums under our belt. We left the band at home and its just us.

"Its packed full of nostalgic, postcard, holiday vibes.

"It was actually by accident, we recorded a lot of the film clips at Great Keppel Island. Keppel is pretty magical, we grew up going over there as kids and I think you can hear that through the music."

Both Thomas and Jeremy agree it is their best work yet, complete with a stamp of approval from those who matter the most.

"We captured moments over there from testing it out on mates around camp fires," Jeremy said.

"Usually they have had a few beers so its always a good reaction, but you can tell with these tunes that they are a bit more special than anything we have done in the past."

In the end, it had to be Busby Marou to open the new stage.

"I guess it is a special feeling being from Rocky and the first group to play here and open the new stage," they said.

"We play all around the country but Rocky is definitely our favourite. We just can't wait for everyone to finally hear it

"I know CQ has been an inspiration to our past albums, but we can't help it. Our roots are CQ."

Busby Marou is the first of multiple high profile acts who will rock the Western in 2017.

Entertainment director Beau Thomas is thrilled to have the boys on board.

"They are our first concert back here for the year and we are so excited," Beau commented.

"It is just a small taste of what is to come. We have 12 concerts to announce over the next six weeks. We are expecting upwards of 1,500 Saturday week.

"Leigh Kernaghan, James Blundell, Screaming Jets and a few more have already been announced but for now I have to keep my lips sealed."