The Cold Stares: Texas Review
With Texas, The Cold Stares do not reinvent themselves, nor do they seem particularly interested in doing so. Instead, the Indiana power trio doubles down on what it already does well: fuzzy blues rock, muscular riffs, gritty vocals, and a clear affection for the lineage of American hard rock and electric blues that inspired them in the first place.
Originally formed in 2012 as a duo by vocalist/guitarist Chris Tapp and drummer Brian Mullins, The Cold Stares built a reputation through a stripped-down but forceful take on modern blues rock. Since expanding into a trio with bassist Bryce Klueh, the band’s sound has gained extra nuance without losing its weight, and Texas feels like a natural progression for them.
The opening number “Nowhere to Go” wastes no time, kicking things off with a heavy, fuzz-drenched riff and the kind of immediate energy that makes for an ideal opener. “Queen of Hearts” leans harder into the blues, with a guitar work that occasionally recalls Stevie Ray Vaughan without slipping into imitation. “Deeper You Dig” is arguably the album’s heaviest cut, swaggering somewhere between blues rock and stoner rock with a darker edge.
The band’s take on B.B. King’s “Chains and Things” transforms the original into something moodier and more contemporary, trading classic blues for a darker, modern blues rock atmosphere that works surprisingly well. Similarly, “One Last Chance” offers a somber acoustic ambiance with a dusty neo-Western feel, raw and understated in the right way.
“Burden To Bear” shifts back into hard rock territory, evoking the spirit of Bad Company and ZZ Top through another sturdy riff-driven number. “Further Down the Road” brings a blues strut, while “Sugar Cane” adds a slightly unexpected rhythmic twist, injecting a touch of swaggering catchiness into the proceedings.
The production deserves credit as well, capturing the band with warmth and grit without sanding away the rough edges. Everything feels well judged, from the heavier riff-driven moments to the quieter detours, with the band sounding locked in throughout.
Overall, Texas does not try to be more imaginative than it needs to, and that is part of its appeal. This is a confident, sharply executed blues rock record packed with memorable riffs, strong performances, and just enough atmosphere to keep the dust swirling between tracks. Certainly, one of The Cold Stares’ strongest efforts to date.
The Review: 9/10
Can’t Miss Tracks
– Nowhere To Go
– Queen of Hearts
– Chains and Things
– One Last Chance
– Sugarcane
– Deeper You Dig
The Big Hit
– Deeper You Dig
