New record from Cold Equations

Born out of a desire to escape the confines of Nashville’s Americana scene, Cold Equations started out as a clandestine operation in the bedroom of guitarist and vocalist Drew Kohl. In the depths of late-night writing sessions, Kohl found the freedom to explore darker themes, drawing inspiration from the likes of indie rock pioneers such as Pavement, Elliott Smith and Johnny Marr. The result of this subversive creativity was their debut album, Ghost Town, which surfaced in 2021. The name Cold Equations itself carries a weighty reference, nodding to the 1954 sci-fi short story ‘The Cold Equations’ by Tom Godwin.

With engineer and producer Brendan St. Gelais at the helm, Kohl recorded their inaugural album at Smoakstack Studio in Nashville. However, it wasn’t until they finalised their lineup with Ryan Dishen on drums and John O’Brien on bass that Cold Equations began to truly find their stride. After a year of dedicated writing and rehearsal, they entered the Studio once again, this time working with Paul Moak and Zack Zinck, to craft their eponymous sophomore release, titled Cold Equations.

Now, Cold Equations unfolds before us, a 10-track sonic journey that opens with “Identity Crisis.” Distant guitar strums beckon the listener closer before the full force of the band sweeps in. Punching drums and twanging guitars set the stage for Kohl’s commanding vocal delivery, guiding us through engaging melodic leads that ride atop a pulsing bassline and propulsive drums. As the electric guitars intensify, building up to the chorus, the song morphs into an anthemic, instantly memorable indie rock outing.

Within this self-titled album, highlights abound. “Set the Boy Free” captures a bright, acoustic rock essence reminiscent of bands like The Cure. Snappy drums and vibrant guitar layers are underpinned by Kohl’s smooth vocals, forging an upbeat, alluring pop-focused rock sound. “Eraser” takes a contemplative turn, with soft guitar backing, delicate drums and an elegant vocal delivery, painting a soundscape of indie reflection.

“Mystic” opens with an intricate guitar intro, a delicate dance with a subtly energising blend of drums and basslines. Kohl’s rhythmic vocal performance weaves catchy melodic leads through this artful tapestry. “State of Mind” unfurls as a superb piece of hook-filled writing, channeling a timeless indie rock sound with its rousing vocal work. The album’s journey concludes with “Best for You,” a dazzling track that navigates shifting moods and energies, delivering a sensational finale to this outstanding musical odyssey.

With origins rooted in a journey of musical evolution and camaraderie, Cold Equations is a bold step forward for a band that expertly navigates the realm of jangle-style indie rock. Through their enduring songwriting, slick production and performance panache, they’ve created 10 sensational pop rock songs that demand your attention. From those late-night writing sessions to the vibrant Nashville music landscape, Cold Equations has transformed their shared vision into a captivating experience that promises to resonate with fans both old and new.

Listen to Cold Equations below