With so much beatdown hitting my inbox these days, it's always a treat when some melodic-minded hardcore lands in there. A recent example of this is the 5-song debut EP from UK band Cold Showers, which dials up a certain harDCore spirit in its delivery. "There are definitely nods to the ’90s and early '00s punk and hardcore we grew up on," the group wrote me. "We're usually tuned in to what’s happening in those scenes and hopefully there's a bit of that energy coming through too."
In terms of origin story, Cold Showers vocalist Adam has played bass in various projects with guitarist Gary over the years and they decided to start something new as a lark at first. Bassist Benji (Drug Mule, Sportfans) and drummer Stu (Sneer, Drug Mule, Sportsfans) soon entered the fold and the band was completed in spring 2023.
"A big part of our sound is down to riffs Gary's been sitting on for years, ideas that have never worked out in previous bands," said Cold Showers via email. "We’re not trying to sound like anyone or going for a particular style, it’s more a case of whatever feels good."
Recorded with Sam at Shred Mountain in Plymouth, England, and featuring an eye-catching cover illustration by tattoo artist Adrian Willard, the Cold Showers EP was released by Crew Cuts, a UK-based label that also features Perp Walk, Gimic, and Thought Control on its roster. "Lyrically, the songs bring up personal experiences that most people go through. They acknowledge social anxiety, relationships and the need for self reflection.
"There’s also a nod to being more mindful of how we can affect people around us. There's nothing new or clever to say, it's just a reflection of thoughts and emotions."
The Cold Showers guys shouted out some of the other bands in their local community in our email exchange: "The scene here in Plymouth is always welcoming and there's a good mix of people whenever there's a show on.
"There always seems to be a new band popping up and a solid selection of local bands worth checking out: Drug Mule, Gamma, Honey Blue, Prison Wife, Sneer, Sportsfans, Stay Put, Thought Seize, VHS."
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The Cold Showers EP is available on vinyl via Crew Cuts.
Cold Showers on social media: Instagram
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