Nothing But The Blues

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the soulful track "Nothing But The Blues" by The Cold Stares from their album Voices, and the Zoo Freaks are loving every riff. This song, the opener of the album, is a gritty anthem that dives into the struggles of a down-and-out town, with a repetitive, hook-heavy riff that grabs you from the first note. In an interview with Blues Rock Review, guitarist and vocalist Chris Tapp shared that the song continues the theme of their earlier track "Hard Times," reflecting on what it means to play "authentic blues" in today’s world, drawing from the hardships of the modern era rather than just the historical South. Tapp explained, “I was thinking about what it takes to play ‘authentic blues,’ which traditionally meant suffering through the horrors of the old south. In my mind, there are so many things that can definitely set you down in the blues in the current world we live in.”

The track’s raw energy and lyrical depth have resonated widely, earning praise for its cinematic quality. A review from Get Ready to ROCK! called it a “killer” track, noting its ability to balance gritty muscle with emotional tenderness, a hallmark of the album’s eclectic sound. On social media, The Cold Stares announced the song’s release on August 25, 2022, via Mascot Records, accompanied by a music video that premiered on their YouTube channel. Fans on their Facebook page raved about a stripped-down, juke joint-style version of the song, “Nothing But The Blues - Live and Stripped,” released on June 9, 2023, which the band shared was a fan favorite from their radio and record store tour. This version, with its raw, acoustic vibe, gave the Zoo Freaks a fresh take on the track’s soulful essence.

The Cold Stares began their journey in 2012 in Evansville, Indiana, though their roots trace back to Western Kentucky. The band started as a duo with guitarist-singer Chris Tapp and drummer Brian Mullins, longtime friends who played together in their early twenties before reconnecting a decade later. According to their bio on Wikipedia, they were initially so set against forming a permanent band that they didn’t even hire a bassist for their first gig, a fill-in performance that sparked their career. Their early sound, described as bigger than any duo should be, turned heads with self-released albums like A Cold Wet Night (2014), which sold 25,000 copies and hit #1 on Amazon Music’s Blues Rock chart. Tracks from their albums, like “Mojo Hand” from Head Bent (2017), featured in Cyberpunk 2077, and “Sleeping With Lions” from Mountain (2018), used in Animal Kingdom, brought them wider recognition.

The band’s evolution took a significant turn in 2022 when they became a trio with the addition of bassist Bryce Klueh, a move Tapp discussed in an interview with MisplacedStraws.com. He noted that the duo format had creatively run its course, and Klueh’s arrival allowed them to explore new sonic textures, as heard in Voices. This shift brought a nuanced, adventurous sound, blending vintage and modern elements, drawing comparisons to Cream and Led Zeppelin. Their relentless touring, sharing stages with acts like Larkin Poe and Rival Sons, has built a loyal fanbase, including those in the The Cold Stares Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks and others share concert stories and song reactions.

Stay connected with The Cold Stares through their official website, where you can find updates on their latest album The Southern, set for release on September 6, 2024. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for behind-the-scenes posts and tour announcements. For fans wanting to dive deeper, check out the The Cold Stares Fans Facebook group, a vibrant community for sharing love for the band’s blues-rock vibes. The Zoo Crew and Zoo Freaks can keep rocking to “Nothing But The Blues” and beyond with these links to the band’s world.