Moody Los Angeles shoegazers Cold Showers released a single this summer called Still Life, comprised of the intense pop track “The Fire” and the sultry heartbreaker, “Crowds”.
Cold showers formed in 2010 but would have been right at home on Factory records. While they are obviously influenced by bands like Joy Division, their sound is a bit more difficult to pin down. There’s more to them than just retro post-punk or gothy electro-pop. These are well-crafted pop songs, tinged with darkness and melancholy, but also a bright optimism that makes them completely irresistible.
“The Fire” was included on the EP 11.25.12 Part Time Punks, released earlier this year; this new mix slows things down just a bit and gives the song a slightly more brooding feel. The unrelenting rhythm section opens the track and hooks you right from the start. Singer Jonathan Weinberg’s deep vocals are both soothing and haunting and is buoyed along by bright and jangly guitars. “Crowds” is a much more minimal affair, with Weinberg’s longing baritone layered over atmospheric instrumentals including a seductive saxophone solo.
Cold Showers is on Facebook and Twitter. I’m looking forward to another full-length release, but for now, Still Life is available from Dais Records and iTunes and is streaming on Spotify.