In a powerful blend of Delta blues and contemporary rock, The Cold Stares have unveiled their latest single, “Mortality Blues,” a haunting prelude to their forthcoming seventh studio album, ‘The Southern.’ Set for release on September 6th via Mascot Records, the album promises to be a deep dive into the band’s Southern heritage.
“Mortality Blues” showcases singer-guitarist Chris Tapp’s prowess on the resonator guitar, creating an eerie, modern take on Delta blues. The song draws inspiration from the legendary bluesman Robert Johnson, weaving Southern imagery and themes into its fabric.
Tapp, a cancer survivor, brings a personal touch to the lyrics. “I had Robert Johnson on my mind for a couple songs on this album,” he shares. “The song is my contemporary version of my Delta blues influences, and is about looking around and seeing others take risk with mortality, while you are doing your best just to stay alive.”
The track’s raw energy is palpable, with fuzzed-out guitars and Zeppelin-style riffs that pay homage to their blues-rock roots while pushing into new territory. It’s a testament to the band’s evolution since their formation in 2012, now expanded to a trio with bassist Bryce Klueh joining in 2022.
‘The Southern’ marks a significant shift for The Cold Stares, as they intentionally explore their Southern identity through music. “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,” Tapp explains. “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.”
Fans in the UK can catch The Cold Stares live as they embark on a tour starting August 30th in Hastings, with stops in Shoreham, Birmingham, Southampton, London, and Sittingbourne.
As the release date for ‘The Southern’ approaches, The Cold Stares stand poised to deliver an album that not only showcases their musical prowess but also serves as a heartfelt tribute to their Southern roots. It’s a journey that promises to take listeners deep into the heart of American blues-rock, guided by a band that’s unafraid to embrace its heritage while pushing the boundaries of the genre.
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ON TOUR:
Tickets HERE
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
