The Cold Stares' The Southern pays homage to heritage, family, and tradition

The Cold Stares are often called Southern Rock. But what does that mean? The founding duo is from Western Kentucky, but is origin and tone enough to earn that label? "I realized that being Southern, for me, is more than an accent and a setlist of songs. It's about family and tradition," singer-guitarist Chris Tapp says. And their seventh album, The Southern shows it with a heartfelt homage to heritage, family, and tradition.

This idea is captured beautifully in "Coming Home", one of the album's standout tracks. With its plaintive dobro and evocative lyrics, Tapp reflects on the wisdom passed down from his father: "My father said, son, don't forget to pray, 'cause you know there will come a day when this old world turns against you." Returning to your roots is about as Southern as you can get, especially once you leave home.

"Blow Wind Blow" flips the script—you're not coming home, but "hard times can push somebody back into your arms so that you can help them, Tapp says. With an ominous classic rock feel, the track channels the Dust Bowl era's hardships, offering a haunting reminder of the power of love and protection in tough times. "Baby, I could be your shelter," Tapp croons, "Blow my lover home to me." It's these simple yet profound themes of resilience and support that ground the album in its Southern identity.

The bluesy "Mortality Blues" offers a different, more introspective side of the band's Southern exploration. Deeply rooted in Delta Blues and played on a resonator guitar, the track is rife with haunting imagery. Tapp, a cancer survivor, channels his personal fight for life into this powerful song, turning this highly traditional form into something uniquely their own. "I can't see how some folks set their mind on dying when I'm doing my best just to stay alive," he sings, creating a palpable sense of struggle and triumph.

The Southern doesn't just meditate on personal struggles and familial ties; it also taps into wider social themes. "Looking for a Fight" takes on today's political polarization with a high-energy rock vibe. "You can't say a word without looking for a fight," Tapp sings, capturing the tension that's become all too familiar. "Guess I'm looking for a fight," he concludes with all the Southern Rock sass in his arsenal.

Attitude, tradition, heritage, values—being Southern has more facets than a healthy twang. It requires you to be your authentic self without forgetting where you came from. Maybe that's why their fuzzed-out guitars and cinematic storytelling don't fit the mold of Southern Rock yet fit perfectly in each track. They found their anchor and their voice in the most Southernly way possible—The Southern.

Stream The Southern below.

Ben McCoy

Ben is an advertising Madman who spends his days with words and music. When he's not writing for his supper, he's eating it at some of NYC's most interesting restaurants.

The Southern
Album
The Cold Stares
Released September 6, 2024 via Mascot Records