The Cold Stares, The Southern Review
On their latest album, The Southern, The Cold Stares boldly venture into uncharted territory by intentionally expanding their sound and delving deep into the complexities of Southern identity. Released by Mascot Records, this seventh studio album marks a significant chapter for the band as they embrace their roots in ways that go beyond mere musical homage. Frontman Chris Tapp has stated that being Southern “is more than an accent, and a setlist of songs,” and this album reflects that sentiment throughout its powerful storytelling and rich thematic depth.
Southern rock often conjures up images of twangy guitars and drawled vocals, but for The Cold Stares, The Southern is about the lived experience of the South—the personal, the cultural, and the historical. Tapp’s lyrics aren’t just about place; they’re about identity and the intricate layers that come with it. The album offers a multifaceted portrait of Southern life, from songs about family legacies to reflections on economic hardship. This isn’t an album that leans solely on Southern rock tropes; instead, it interrogates what it means to be Southern in a world where the past and present constantly intersect.
One of the album’s standout tracks, “Coming Home,” exemplifies the personal nature of this exploration. Inspired by Tapp’s family history and the stories passed down through generations, the song is a heartfelt tribute to his Southern roots. It’s not just about returning to a physical home but reconnecting with the wisdom and resilience of one’s ancestors. The dobro-laden track evokes a sense of timelessness, as Tapp sings of his father’s advice and the values instilled in him. It’s a deeply personal narrative, but one that resonates with anyone who understands the pull of home and tradition.
In “Mortality Blues,” Tapp’s reflections on mortality bring the spiritual and existential aspects of Southern identity to the fore. Drawing on the mythic legacy of Southern blues and the age-old storytelling tradition, the song examines life’s fragility. Tapp, himself a cancer survivor, embeds this theme with haunting resonator guitar lines and lyrics that echo the struggles of Southern life—survival against all odds. The song’s Delta blues feel creates a deep connection between personal hardship and the broader historical context of the South, where life and death are often intertwined with faith and fate.
The Cold Stares’ approach to Southern identity also extends into the mythic realm. The stories told in “Seven Ways to Sundown” and “Confession” are modern tales that echo a rich tradition of Southern storytelling. These songs weave together elements of folklore, outlaw heroes, and crooked lawmen, grounding the album in a cinematic narrative style that feels akin to a Western film. Tapp’s grandfather’s tales, often filled with larger-than-life characters, provide these tracks’ emotional and thematic foundation. They serve as reminders that the South, for The Cold Stares, is both a real place and a mythic landscape.
In “Confession,” for instance, the preacher-like persona Tapp adopts is emblematic of the deep religious and moral underpinnings of Southern culture. The track’s plea for absolution taps into the region’s complex relationship with sin and redemption, a theme that has long permeated Southern literature and music. Yet, it’s delivered with a modern edge, blending Texas blues with Southern rock grit.
Beyond personal and familial narratives, The Southern also courageously tackles broader societal issues, particularly in tracks like “Looking for a Fight” and “No Love in the City Anymore.” These songs delve into the economic struggles of the working class, highlighting the disparity between the South’s nostalgic, mythologized past and the harsh realities faced by its people today. The guitar-driven shuffle of “Looking for a Fight” feels like a rallying cry against the political and economic forces that have neglected Southern communities. Meanwhile, “No Love in the City Anymore” laments the decay of small-town America, where the promises of prosperity have often faded into disillusionment.
The Southern is a solid modern Southern rock album—it reflects what it means to be Southern in the 21st century. The Cold Stares tackle this identity with purposeful songwriting that acknowledges the beauty and hardship that coexist in their heritage. From family legacies to economic hardship, from mythic storytelling to personal survival, The Southern offers an exploration of the South and some of the many sounds we all know and love. It is an album rooted in Southern rock and one of The Cold Stares’ most profound offerings to date. That’s the short of it!
Connect with The Cold Stares: Website |
The Southern
September 6, 2024
Mascot Records
9.1