Cold Engines’ sophomore release Take Me With You is even stronger than their recent debut Day Drinker. This band has certainly figured out how to make good hard rocking music that is catchy, infections, and fun while crafting respectably solid songs. Cold Engines can also mellow things out and create meaningful music that speaks to a listener loud and clear while the song maintains a quieter mood.
Opening track “Won’t Be Long” is a fine amalgamation of roots flavored instrumentation and a wide, sweeping rock and roll chorus. A plucky banjo coats the song in something tastefully Americana while electric guitars scream out their own rebellious yearnings, reaching anthem like largeness.
“Never Heard Of The Blues” announces itself with a prominent guitar blast. Next thing you know, a belty swaggering lead vocalist commands attention with his heavy dude vocal. Pleasant distortion and contrasts between guitars creates something awesome not heard since the early days of Black Sabbath. Monster power chords mount beside the singer until each become insurmountable forces to be reckoned with. The song simply rocks out with everything rock and roll is supposed to be.
Cold Engines chill out their solid sound on “Tired,” an acoustic guitar lead, ballad-paced number. A hearty vocal timbre sings in a mellow vibe while a traipsing lead guitar whistles by prettily. Its spacey soundscape echoes early 1970s Pink Floyd, and it evens out the track energy that comes before and after it. Segue into “I Have An Idea” and Amelia Gormley’s low end sass ushers the listener into their world with a bracingly solid sound. The piece takes its time unfolding, letting the lead vocal breathe freely, showcasing a lot of character and richness in the delivery. Guitar eruptions punctuate well the dreamy vibe while the singer’s suddenly shifting dynamics add another layer of excitement.
The radio friendly “Drugs” makes a hugely favorable impression. Evenly paced and catchy as hell, it has got the flashy, hip guitar phrases, driving rhythm section, swishy synth, and smooth flowing harmony vocals associated with signed and famous bands. Cold Engine’s energy and talent flesh out this anthem of love-as-addiction with a huge sense of purpose and the size of this song’s dynamics and delivery make it impossible to ignore.
Title track “Take Me With You” finds the band easing into their roots flavored influences. Assertive banjo notes and a drawling lead vocal form the charm. A dreamy, wide open backdrop lest the vocals breathe, bringing more attention to the raw power of the voice. Drummer Geoff Pilkington and bassist Gormley keep it real, showing true restraint, using the power of subtleness to fill in the colors well.
“Stranger” is a mellow groove number built upon delicate guitar lines and considerately delivered vocals. Harmonies are sweet and full while the instruments politely usher the listener along. The song appeals as it builds its dynamics into something buzzing and humming with undeniable energy.
“Night Songs” is a tasteful mesh of electric and acoustic guitars. Perky chords and just the right touches at the drum kit give this song character. You can hear all the delicious snap, crackle, and pop as these players press out their nuggets of notes. Warm harmony vocals wrap around the chorus in a way that compels one to listen closer. Listeners will enjoy being carried along with this piece.
Cold Engines close out their album with “Melt Your Face.” This hip, backbeat driven number vibrates with 1960s influences in its spiraling guitar intro and a bit later in its grinding axe phrase. A drawling, husky lead vocal has an acid tinged timbre that makes you want to drop a hit. Hearkening back to the glory days of rock here, Cold Engines serve up a delicious biscuit, ingredients include The Beatles, Cream, Donovan, and Jimi Hendrix. It doesn’t hurt that the lead vocal commands attention with its swaggering cool.
Cold Engines have done it again, only better this time. A second smashingly good album in less than a year speaks volumes about this four piece’s potential. Improving even more over their fine debut album points to the possibility of grand success. Moreover, there all still young enough to get signed.
