Nashville, USA-based pop rock trio Cold Equations first hit our radar in June this year thanks to their summer single Eraser. The track features on their debut self-titled album which is out now.
By Graeme Smith
As a group, Cold Equations formed around disillusionment with the Americana scene in Nashville and their debut showcases how their sound departs from it, opting for bold jangle rock anthems in the vein of Johnny Marr or Elliot Smith. The album opens with Identity Crisis. We get a stripped-back guitar riff before the whole arrangement kicks in with unapologetically swaggering yet melancholic stadium rock. It’s a powerful opening gambit.
Satisfied (Post-Carrot Anhedonia) takes things in a Britpop direction with a jangly, looping melody and charismatic vocals. It develops into a beautifully dreamy conclusion. Set the Boy Free bounces along nicely with echoing guitar and a touch of ’80s post-punk about it. The aforementioned Eraser sits nicely in proceedings, providing a low yet hopeful moment before Hanging by a Thread completes the album’s first half with a simmering, lonesome, pleading ballad. It’s a highlight.
I Am You Shadow opens the album’s second half with fuzzy bass and revels in a romantic rock resplendence. Reverie motors along with vibrant introspection. In the Cart presents a heavier side of the Cold Equations sound with brooding metal sensibilities. State of Mind has cynical lyrics paired with an infectious grunge groove before Best for You closes the album with thoughtful storytelling and a slow-building arrangement that lingers in the mind long after the last note is played.
There’s a touch of the classic about Cold Equations’ sound that I really like but they cater to modern audiences too with edgier tracks and thoughtful production. Their debut is emotional indie rock at its best and proof that this trio are ones to watch. They could well be the next big thing in rock.
Cold Equations are Drew Kohl on vocals and guitar, Ryan Dishen on bass and John O’Brien on drums. You can give Cold Equations a listen below.
