The Cold Stares, The Southern Review

by Nolan Conghaile

The Cold Stares’ latest album, The Southern, via Mascot Records, finds the band digging deep into their Southern roots while expanding their musical palette. Known for their electrifying blend of blues-rock, the Indiana-based quartet pushes boundaries yet again with this raw and gritty release, one that embraces both their heritage and their love for heavy, blues-infused rock.

Having gained international recognition with their previous album Voices, the addition of Bryce Klueh on bass and Jon Aughenbaugh on rhythm guitar has allowed The Cold Stares to fully explore the rich textures of a larger sound. The Southern, their seventh studio effort, captures that chemistry beautifully while further grounding the band in the Southern rock tradition. With Chris Tapp’s powerhouse vocals and fuzzed-out guitar riffs leading the way, the album is a testament to family, tradition, and the complex identity of the South.

The album opens with “Horse To Water,” a track that immediately establishes The Cold Stares’ Southern rock aesthetic with its climbing triads and a hip, infectious guitar riff. Chris Tapp’s vocals are commanding and emotive, filling the space between Brian Mullins’ solid drumming and Bryce Klueh’s driving basslines. A clean, arpeggiated electric guitar pattern accentuates the chorus, which contrasts beautifully with the gritty verses. The bridge leads into a satisfying guitar solo that showcases Tapp’s versatility, giving the track a mix of classic rock elements and Southern soul.

Transitioning seamlessly into “Looking for a Fight,” the band taps into a deep Southern blues shuffle. Tapp’s voice becomes a force of nature, embodying the storytelling tradition of blues and the punchy energy of Southern rock. The song’s structure is a masterclass in balancing instrumental prowess with lyrical expression. The interplay between vocal lines and guitar “hocks” highlights the secret sauce of Southern rock – the push and pull between voice and instrument. This track could fuel any barroom brawl or long highway drive through the South.

“Confession” shifts the album into Texas blues territory, with its muscular guitar tones and rhythm section driving the track forward with purpose. Tapp’s voice is more textured, blending with delay effects that mirror the heavy, moody instrumentation. The chorus is rich with the hallmarks of 70s Southern rock, building on the legacy of bands like ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Yet, it still retains The Cold Stares’ modern edge, with the intricate production and guitar work making the track feel timeless.

As the album progresses, “Seven Ways to Sundown” emerges as a particularly raw and gritty offering. The track’s pulsating guitar riff is matched by dynamic shifts in feel, keeping listeners on their toes. Tapp’s vocals take on a more unpolished, almost primal, tone here, which only adds to the song’s energy. This track exemplifies the band’s ability to navigate different shades of rock, from the clean precision of Southern blues to the ragged edge of hard rock.

Finally, “Woman” rounds out the standout tracks with its 70s-inspired distorted bass and guitar sound. The track has a steady, four-on-the-floor rhythm that gives it a classic rock foundation, while Tapp’s vocals glide over the top with a swagger that evokes the era’s biggest rock icons. The pre-chorus adds a delicious change in feel, injecting a surprising and satisfying groove. This track is a prime example of how The Cold Stares can rework familiar sounds into something entirely their own.

The Southern is a powerful reflection of The Cold Stares’ Southern identity. With a more expansive sound and intricate songwriting, this album solidifies the band’s place in the modern blues-rock scene. The addition of Klueh and Aughenbaugh adds new layers to the band’s already robust sound, allowing for a fuller, more dynamic exploration of Southern rock. The Cold Stares have crafted an album that is for fans of blues-rock with a Southern flair, The Southern is a fiery, unapologetic celebration of roots, resilience, and raw power.