Review THE COLD STARES “The Southern”

The Cold Stares is an interesting southern rock band hailing from Evansville, Indiana. Formed in 2012 by Chris Tapp and Brian Mullins, the band grew into a trio in 2022. Bassist Bryce Klueh joined the two guys, and the previous studio album was the first the band recorded as a three-piece.

“Voices” is the title of the 2023 longplayer and it is the latest album “The Southern” that adds to the list of the band’s records. The trio’s musical foundation is undoubtedly Southern rock, even though they hail from Indiana. But there is also a lot of blues in songs like the touching “Level Floor Blues”, which is an emotional highlight of the album. A song that falls into the same category is “Coming Home”. Driven by the sound of a Dobro and the passionate vocals of Tapp, the song immediately unfolds its melancholic vibe.

The band’s music is also influenced by classic rock and hard rock. Bands like Bad Company, Robin Trower and AC/DC are sources of inspiration for the trio, and it resonates in songs like the powerful opener “Horse to Water”. To mention the rocking songs is also to think about “Looking for a Fight”. The song roars with freight train energy and is a straightforward rocker with a verse that is calmer and acts as a counterpoint to the basic pattern of this musical treat.

The classic rock spirit returns with “Blow Wind Blow” and we can clearly say that this album doesn’t have any weak points. No matter which song you pick, you get great music in return. “Giving It Up” and the very soulful “Woman” are great pieces of music and “Mortality Blues” is a touching high point at the end of this longplayer. Delta Blues is what you get with lyrics that paint pictures of the South, including blues legend Robert Johnson, who played the Dobro like Tapp. The song also has a very personal aspect as Tapp refers to his battle against cancer with lyrical passages such as: “I can’t see how some folks set their mind on dying/When I’m doing my best just to stay alive/And I can’t see how some folks set their mind on dying/When I’m doing my best just to stay alive”.

“The Southern” is an album packed with heart and soul. It is very emotionally driven music that will captivate you the first time you spin the album. The Cold Stares are a band that loves to make music, which results in songs that come straight from the heart. That’s why “The Southern” is one of those authentic longplayers that will bring lasting joy to fans of well-crafted rock and blues music.