THE COLD STARES – Heavy Shoes (2021)
Classic rockers THE COLD STARES will release their new album ”Heavy Shoes” on 13th August via Mascot Records, and its title implies, perhaps their heavier record to date. This is Hendrix-like riff driven bluesy rock n’ roll, with songs never exceeding the 3-minute mark – just pure R N’ R to the bone.
The title track contains one of the catchiest, soft-clipped fuzzy riffs in recent memory. Drummer Brian Mullins’s note-restrained, yet sound-heavy approach to rhythm allows Chris Tapp the freedom to expound upon his thoughts through his guitar and his voice.
“Strange Light” demonstrates similar artistry and excellent musicianship. The tune, like most of the set, deftly moves between verse and chorus. The crunching, crushing sound easily grabs attention, and the curt guitar interlude leaves quickly enough to keep listeners wanting more.
Most tracks on ”Heavy Shoes” take a similar approach: the riffs and music are loud, but pleasing to the ear, the verse to chorus transitions are distinct, but fit nicely with one another, and the songs never overstay their welcome.
This doesn’t imply that the tunes are repetitive. “Take This Body From Me” hews closer to the best parts of early ‘70s rock. “In The Night Time” paints a very swampy picture, aided by the conspicuous addition of some brooding organ work, and the closer, “Dust In My Hands,” turns down the intensity just enough to ease listeners out of the set.
An aspect that shouldn’t be overlooked, but will likely take a couple of spins to notice, is the quality and weightiness of the lyrics. “Election Blues” marries hard electric blues with strident messaging that results in one of the album’s standout songs.
The best tune of the group, “40 Dead Men,” contains many dark musings that work perfectly with the fast pacing and urgent energy. With a drastic change in tempo during the middle third and memorable lines like, “40 men dead, shot in the head. 40 men dead, fields turn red,” the song elicits memories of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs.” The Stares do a great job of taking an influence and creating their own original piece without aping bands of the past.
Those who prefer nuance and raw expression of modern electric bluesy rock will find a lot to like here, and perhaps even love. ”Heavy Shoes” serves as both a great entry point for those unfamiliar with The Stares, and another reason for music fans to start including their name alongside the retro-rock revival.
Highly Recommended
01 – Heavy Shoes
02 – 40 Dead Men
03 – Take This Body From Me
04 – Hard Times
05 – In The Night Time
06 – Strange Light
07 – Prosecution Blues
08 – It’s A Game
09 – Save You From You
10 – You Wanted Love
11 – Election Blues
12 – Dust In My Hands
Chris Tapp – vocals, guitar, bass
Brian Mullins – drums
Pre Order:
www.amazon.com/Heavy-Shoes-Cold-Stares/dp/B093N2DYGX
