2023-03-20

THE COLD STARES – “VOICES” – ARTIST SPOTLIGHT & ALBUM REVIEW

By Ralph Beauchamp

There is a lot new going on in the world of The Cold Stares. They have just dropped their latest album entitled Voices. Also, they have added a new member. Bryce Klueh takes on permanent bass duties while Chris Tapp handles the vocals and guitar and Brian Mullins hits the skins. Voices was released via Mascot Records and even though self produced, Mark Needham (The Killers/Imagine Dragons) assisted on the engineering side.

AMP featured The Cold Stares when we interviewed Chris and Brian on 5/3/2021 (see related below). For the past ten years, The Cold Stares have toured the world relentlessly as a duo, blowing away audiences across the US and Europe with a fierce, blistering live show that belied their bare bones, guitar-and-drums setup. Now with the addition of Klueh, the twosome reaches a whole new perspective. The band is embracing a whole new kind of chemistry as they launch their next chapter, adding a third member and channeling the classic power trio sound they grew up on with their explosive new album.

Speaking about the album, Tapp espouses:

“A lot of these tunes deal with really personal things that have been on my mind for a while. I just had to live enough life and get enough experience under my belt to know how to talk about them, to know how to feel comfortable opening up those veins and sharing whatever came out.”

Voices boasts 13 incredibly memorable tracks ranging from scorching blues to raw ballads. Each song exposes a different dimension of The Cold Stares. From unfiltered R&B to high octane rock & roll, the band pushes every track to its maximum potential. The Cold Stares constantly ferrying in original unfiltered nuances to the the illustrious genre of the blues. Voices raises the musical bar with gutsy arrangements, unvarnished vocals and dramatic musicianship.

The full length opens with “Nothing But The Blues”. It’s a grungy tune with swampy vocals. Klueh’s bassline is thumping with cinematic zeal. Mullins’ drums deliver a magical texture while Tapp’s guitar wails like a banshee. It’s an awesome opening that wrestles with hard times in a down-and-out town. “Come For Me” brandishes a funky verve with demanding percussions. The bass delivers the perfect boogie cadence. Tapp’s voice is full of grit and gravel. “The Joy” is a slow R&B ballad that offers an emotional lushness. Tapp’s voice harbors a tender bombast and his guitar shimmers with warmth.

“Lights Out” brings the fire. The rock is hot. In addition, it features organic drums and a guitar solo that shines brightly. The bassline is monstrous. By far one of the stronger tunes on Voices. “Got No Right” is another banger. The vocals are forceful and the groove is flawless. “Sorry I Was Late” is an ethereal gem. Tapp’s vocals are outfront and the wonderful arrangement is gorgeously conceived. You can feel every bit of Tapp’s anguish and despair.

“Voices” is a down and dirty track full of bluesy accents. Klueh’s bass carries the song to another level. Tapp’s guitar is edgy and Mullins’ percussions hits hard. “Waiting For The Rain Again” has a kick ass bassline and amazing rock intonations. “Sinnerman” entertains a western ambiance with a tinny guitar run and vivid vocals. “Throw The Stone” is impassioned and hypnotic. Its dirge like aura and enchanting harmonies are superb. It’s a gorgeously executed gospel lament with bluesy overtones.

The Cold Stares close out with three more spellbinding songs. “It’s Heavy” is true to its title. The tune rocks with blazing character. Klueh’s bass is divine while Mullins’ drums snap. “Thinking About Leaving Again” negotiates vibrant guitar fills and gnarly vocals. “The Ghost” is utterly bewitching with a Southern Gothic flair. Its raptious texture is majestic.

With Voices, The Cold Stares have assembled an exalted piece of art that will easily withstand the sands of time.