Blues rock guitarist and singer, Chris Tapp, is well known artist in his own right with an extensive catalog of albums by The Cold Stares, but things took a turn in 2024 when they added a third band member and went onto Mascot Records with a new direction and stayed with it for their latest release, The Southern Part II. And I can’t be sure if this return to roots direction will stay the course from here, but if it does, they have transformed into a southern rock band with the same qualities of true southern rock groups of the past.
The Southern Part II is a full-length album with much to write home about, so the songs get a front seat and each a well-deserved mention, and Chris Tapp is joined by Bryce Klueh on bass, and Brian Mullins on drums to credit this power trio of world class musicians. “Little More Rope” is the way to start the album off proper, as it leads the rest by at least an edge, paying homage to everything from southern rock to classic rock and metal. The tradition of high-level playing is the first thing that will grab you if you’ve never heard The Cold Stares or Chris Tapp before.
“Automobile” continues in said tradition, with all the potential of a hit single on this modern rocker with a southern twang to it, and it has been released with an official video. Speaking of official videos, the next catchy song “Evil Eye” also been seen on video and carries just as much hit potential. I like both songs even more because of the clips, so it works in my case to release videos, but it doesn’t necessarily make or break a song. I enjoyed the fun clips either way, so make sure and check them out.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0hLLs7dOw0Z1XBFFrLSDln?si=1AVjpFCLRyqaKo40e8M-TA&nd=1&dlsi=699b43189c8d4bae
The Cold Stares get into their comfort zone on The Southern Part II’s “Hard To See” and dig down deeper for inspiration with an enormously satisfying mid-tempo treat with southern a command. It goes well with “Last Time You Let Me Down” and “Can’t Call That Love,” which also ride the comfort zone of the album and find the band musically, vocally and lyrically in the pocket. These songs all bring something a little comfy to the table, around other songs in higher gear and making it a long player like albums of decades ago.
“Ransom” brings things back up a notch with Chris Tapp showing his chops again, which are undeniably great along with his singing voice that might be one dimensional, but he uses what he’s got with the best of blues rock singers and can handle the southern rock factor. The Southern Part II is a hard album to flaw, as it comes chock full of well written, produced and arranged songs, and “Changed My Mind Again” keeps up the standard. The Cold Stares go even harder with two more songs, “The Neighborhood” with its bluesy inclinations, and “The Mighty” takes it out with one of my go to songs making The Southern Part II come highly recommended.
Mindy McCall
