The Cold Stares have announced the release of their seventh studio album, ‘The Southern,’ set to drop on September 6th via Mascot Records. This album marks a significant exploration of the band’s Southern roots, delivering a rich, authentic reflection of their heritage.
“When it came time to record this album, I thought about everybody giving us this Southern rock tag, and decided to intentionally write songs that explore that,” says singer-guitarist Chris Tapp. “In doing so, I realized that being Southern, for me, is more than an accent and a setlist of songs. It’s about family and tradition.”
The album’s latest single, “Coming Home,” is a heartfelt, bluesy track played on dobro, capturing the essence of Southern familial ties and personal resilience. “Perhaps our most rootsy song to date, I wrote this song after a trip back to my hometown in Kentucky,” Tapp shares. “Touring the world and seeing so many countries has made me realize how unique the place I grew up was, and this song is just about getting back to our roots and where we came from.” Tapp’s lyrics reflect the timeless wisdom of his father: “My Father said son don’t forget to pray/Cause you know there will come a day/When this old world turns against you/You better have a plan to make your way.”
To coincide with the album release, The Cold Stares will embark on a UK tour, starting August 30th at The Carlisle in Hastings. The tour will take them to the Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham, Sunflower Lounge in Birmingham, The 1865 in Southampton, New Cross Inn in London, and The Bourne Music Club in Sittingbourne, with additional dates to be announced. Tickets are available HERE.
Formed in 2012, The Cold Stares began as a duo but expanded their sound with the addition of bassist Bryce Klueh in 2022. Praised by Classic Rock Magazine, No Depression, and American Songwriter, the band has reached #1 on Amazon Music’s Blues Rock album chart and earned prime sync placements in commercials, major network television shows, and video games. Their hit song “Mojo Hand,” featured in the trailer for Cyberpunk 2077, has garnered over 10 million streams on YouTube. The Cold Stares have shared stages with artists like Larkin Poe, Rival Sons, Reignwolf, JJ Grey & Mofro, Spoon, Grand Funk Railroad, and Thievery Corporation.
Despite their Southern origins, The Cold Stares’ sound transcends traditional boundaries, blending fuzzed-out guitars, Zeppelin-style riffs, and Cream-inspired improvisations with Delta blues influences. “Our version of the South is different,” says Tapp. “When Brian and I were young, we would sit in with these old guys at the local lodge, at the time they were still playing the old hits by Bad Company, Robin Trower, and AC/DC mixed in with country and southern rock—artists like the Allman Brothers Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd. When I heard Free’s ‘All Right Now’ I thought they were from Georgia!”
Tapp’s songwriting draws heavily from the wild tales his grandfather shared, weaving vivid narratives reminiscent of Western movies. These stories, featuring crooked cops, outlaw heroes, and local legends like “Hoppy,” who tapped out rhythms while shining shoes, infuse ‘The Southern’ with rich, narrative depth. One of the standout tracks, “Coming Home,” encapsulates these tales and the sense of returning to one’s roots.
“We are so proud to tip a hat to Kentucky on this album and embrace being ambassadors of the South,” Tapp concludes, bringing the journey of ‘The Southern’ full circle—a heartfelt tribute to the land and stories that shaped them.
Don’t miss out on experiencing The Cold Stares’ powerful new album and their upcoming UK tour. Get ready to be transported into the heart of Southern rock and blues.
UK tour dates for Aug/Sep 2024
- 30 Aug – The Carlisle, Hastings, UK
- 31 Aug – Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham, UK
- 1 Sep – Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham, UK
- 3 Sep – The 1865, Southampton, UK
- 4 Sep – New Cross Inn, London, UK
- 5 Sep – The Bourne Music Club, Sittingbourne, UK
