Cold Summer 'Cold Summer' - Album Review

For northern bands it’s always been a rush and a push to get their name under Earls Court’s ‘playing tonight’ board. But Cold Summer, a band arising from Wakefield and being based in Leeds, could be the next ‘it’ band – and they’re ready for it.

Having a name like ‘Cold Summer’ could have back-fired on this post-hardcore rock band, usually being used as phrase to spit on most moaning of occasions. But thankfully, Cold Summer is more of a breath of fresh air than an unwanted torrential storm

Adapting a do-it-yourself work ethic, Cold Summer have worked their way onto tours with the highly rated Lumuria and have also found themselves supporting the infamous Funeral For A Friend. They’ve not only released two EPs, but they’ve also bombarded the underground rock scene with their self-titled debut album. So, the real question is: Is a band who takes influence from giants like Touché Amore and La Dispute really worth the hype?

Cold Summer’s debut LP could be classed as their next stepping stone, taking them closer to breaking into the scandalous rivulet; the iconic British music scene. But are they ready yet to capture hearts? Will their audience soon be humming their sinister tunes as they do their grocery shopping?

The eight track album (released independently) has many moments of sheer brilliance, rendering you speechless. Opening track ‘Fallen’ and second track ‘Waiting’ have mounds of deep, dark and sinister vibes sprawling from them. ‘All you need / is heart and soul’ snarls the vocalist in a gruff, yet strangely heart-felt, way. Passion oozes from both of these tracks as we’re introduced into the world of the grungy, brooding Cold Summer.

The pace continues on the album as we race through a supply of punchy weapons on ‘Ships’ and the menacing ‘Processed Lives’. With such haunting titles, you can expect nothing less than a poignant riot erupting from the prominent guitars which kick in immediately. A demanding ‘there will be dreams’ pours from ‘Processed Lives’, giving a sharp and edgy cut to this particular song.

Despite a brief departure from this brigade of fervour during track five (‘Car Crash’), soon enough the venerated band return to form in ‘A Is For Arson’. Although it often seems that the weakest song on the album is placed last on the track listing, much like Arctic Monkeys, Cold Summer have defied this by leaving the most roaring track on the debut ‘til last. A Lost Prophet’s-esque vibe rings throughout the rallying song which propels the listener into a giddy frenzy. It leads the album through a wide door full of opportunity.

This LP is a definite hint at what the future holds for Cold Summer. An entrance to the top of the music scene that craves more attention.

‘Cold Summer’ is out now.

Ella Scott