The Cold Stares is often endearingly referred to as a Southern band in the press and by fans, despite being a modern blues-rock power trio based out of Evansville, Indiana. Yet, there is an elusive southern quality to the three-piece band’s music and storytelling songwriting. Maybe it’s because guitarist-singer Chris Tapp and drummer Brian Mullins are from Western Kentucky. Though the guys have never shied away from their heritage, on their aptly-titled seventh album, The Southern, out September 6th on Mascot Records, The Cold Stares explores what it means to be Southern through delving deep into themes of resilience, redemption, and the enduring power of personal and musical legacy.
Initially formed in 2012, The Cold Stares began its career as a duo, but expanded its sonic firepower with the addition of bassist Bryce Klueh in 2022. Though the trio has below the Mason-Dixon Line origins, the group mines a woolier sound than expected. Fuzzed-out guitars, Zep-style riffs, and fleet-fingered Cream-style improvisations abound, as do nods to Delta blues. The group has been praised by Classic Rock Magazine, No Depression, and American Songwriter, among other outlets; reached #1 on Amazon Music’s Blues Rock album chart; earned prime sync license placements in commercials, on major network television, and on sports games.
The Cold Stares have created a buzz in the music world that has landed them on the road with the likes of Joe Bonamassa, Larkin Poe, Rival Sons, Reignwolf, Spoon, Grand Funk Railroad, and Thievery Corporation, among many others. American Songwriter praised the group’s “hard-won commitment, honesty, and intensity,” while No Depression hailed their sound as a “roots rocking firestorm,” and tunes from their albums turned up everywhere from ESPN, Dodge, Chevy and TNT to the hit video game Cyberpunk 2077.
