THE COLD STARES – The Southern

The talented trio from Indiana known as The Cold Stares is gearing up to release this beautifully crafted and evocative record of theirs titled The Southern in September, and it is something to look forward to. Full of captivating ideas, classy melodies, emotive vocals, and sophisticated hooks, the album is an all-around focused affair possessing a marked accessibility, and its opening track, namely “Horse to Water,” immediately pulls one in and refuses to let go, which carries on to the very end of the disc. We are talking Southern rock with light and shade to it that sounds as honest, authentic, and candid as can be, and this is exactly the kind of musically rewarding thing that one does not come across very often.

With its crunchy guitars and compelling tunes, this is simply a soulful piece of work with an appealingly bittersweet melancholy coursing through it and a superb display of skill, determination, and unadulterated passion. The Southern may not be a triumph or a masterpiece but it sure is quality stuff through and through, and there is a lot that I appreciate and enjoy about the LP. Highly recommended!