The Cold Stares: The Southern Part II Review
The Cold Stares have spent years shaping a sound that feels both lived in and hard earned. Once known for making astonishing noise as a duo, the band found a new gear when bassist Bryce Klueh joined guitarist and vocalist Chris Tapp and drummer Brian Mullins. The trio format gave their music extra muscle and broader emotional range, something they leaned into on 2023’s Voices. Riding that creative momentum, the band entered Memphis Magnetic Studio and continued mining the music of their Kentucky upbringing, eventually crafting the two-part project The Southern and now The Southern Part II, a deeper, grittier dive into the band’s trademark southern blues rock sound.
The Southern Part II kicks off with “Little More Rope”, a fuzzy, frantic blast of riff-driven energy. It is pure southern hard rock with unmistakable echoes of ZZ Top, Led Zeppelin, and Mountain.
“Automobile” follows with a similar backbone, but with a looser swing to the groove. The guitar lines glide over a strong rhythmic push, giving the track a road-ready feel. “Evil Eye”, a blues-based figure that moves with purpose, digs into one of the album’s heaviest riffs. The vocals sit tightly against it, creating a steady tension that gives the song its impact.
The pace eases with “Hurting Side of Love”, a southern rock ballad that adds warmth and a touch of vulnerability to the record. The lead guitar steps forward with exquisite bluesy phrasing, bringing out the emotional weight of the track without overplaying it. The brooding heavy blues “Can’t Call That Love” takes a darker turn, built on a simple yet imposing riff and a somber vocal tone that tastefully deepens the album’s mood.
“Changed Her Mind Again” brings the energy back with an upbeat blues rock approach and a sharp, lively solo that cuts cleanly through the track. The album closes with “Mighty High”, a blues rocker with clear classic rock influence. The riff stands tall, and the vocals rise comfortably over the groove, giving the album a solid closure.
At just 35 minutes, The Southern Part II is concise but full. The production is crisp, allowing every instrument to land clearly while still keeping the natural bite of the band’s sound. The Cold Stares stay true to their blend of blues and fuzzy, southern-styled hard rock, and they deliver it with assurance and tight execution. It is a focused, well-made record from a band that understands their voice.
The Review: 8/10
Can’t Miss Tracks
– Little More Rope
– Automobile
– Evil Eye
– Can’t Call That Love
– Hurting Side of Love
The Big Hit
– Hurting Side of Love
