The Cold Stares - Mortality Blues

The Cold Stares Channel the Ghosts of the Delta and Blues Legend Robert Johnson on Haunting New Single “Mortality Blues”
 
It’s the latest single from the Evansville, IN trio’s new album ‘The Southern,’
out September 6th via Mascot Records | Pre-order/save ‘The Southern’ HERE

Band goes on tour in EU and UK in Aug/Sep Tickets available at https://www.thecoldstares.com/

The Cold Stares have released “Mortality Blues,” the latest single from their highly anticipated seventh studio album, ‘The Southern,’ set to drop on September 6th via Mascot Records. An eerie, modern Delta blues track played on singer-guitarist Chris Tapp’s resonator guitar, the haunting song is infused with Southern imagery and thematics, drawing on the mythos of legendary blues guitarist Robert Johnson.

 
“I had Robert Johnson on my mind for a couple songs on this album,” Tapp shares. “I had read a few biographies that recently came out, and it always seemed Robert was doing his best to stay alive in a time where it wasn’t necessarily easy. The song is my contemporary version of my delta blues influences, and is about looking around and seeing others take risk with mortality, while you are doing your best just to stay alive.”
 
Known for their electrifying blend of blues-rock, The Cold Stares delve deep into their Southern roots with this poignant track that highlights their Delta blues influences. Tapp is a cancer survivor, and it’s hard not to read into some of the lyrics on “Mortality Blues” and not think of his brave journey. “I can’t see how some folks set their mind on dying/When I’m doing my best, just to stay alive,” Tapp howls. Featuring fuzzed-out guitars, Zep-style riffs, and fleet-fingered Cream-style improvisations, the song captures the raw essence of Delta blues while adding a contemporary twist.
 
Initially formed in 2012, The Cold Stares began its career as a duo, but expanded its sonic firepower with the addition of bassist Bryce Klueh in 2022. The Cold Stares has been praised by Classic Rock Magazine, No Depression, and American Songwriter, among other outlets; reached #1 on Amazon Music’s Blues Rock album chart; earned prime sync license placements in commercials, on major network television, and on sports games. Their song, "Mojo Hand,” is the trailer song for Cyberpunk 2077, and has amassed over 10 million streams on YouTube. The band has shared stages with Larkin Poe, Rival Sons, Reignwolf, JJ Grey & Mofro, Spoon, Grand Funk Railroad, and Thievery Corp.
 
Though the trio has below the Mason-Dixon Line origins, the group mines a woolier sound than expected. "Our version of the South is different," says Tapp. "When Brian and I were young, we would sit in with these old guys at the local lodge, at the time they were still playing the old hits by Bad Company, Robin Trower, and AC/DC mixed in with country and southern rock - artists like the Allman Brothers Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd. When I heard Free’s ‘All Right Now’ I thought they were from Georgia!”
 
Drawing from the wild tales his grandfather shared with him, Tapp’s cinematic songwriting weaves narratives as vivid as the Western movies they watched together. These stories of crooked cops and outlaw heroes, and local legends like "Hoppy" who tapped out rhythms while shining shoes, infuse the album with a rich, narrative depth. It is thus fitting that one of the standout tracks is titled “Coming Home,” a song that encapsulates the essence of these tales and the sense of returning to one's roots.
 
"We are so proud to tip a hat to Kentucky on this album, and embrace being ambassadors of the South," Tapp concludes, bringing the journey of 'The Southern' full circle—a heartfelt tribute to the land and stories that shaped them.

 
EU Tour Dates:
23 Aug - Sønderborghus  Sonderborg, Denmark
24 Aug - Karosserifabrikken, Helsingør, Denmark
25 Aug - Music Star, Norderstedt, Germany
26 Aug - Music Star, Norderstedt, Germany
27 Aug - Hafenbar Tegel, Berlin, Germany
29 Aug - Musiktheater Piano, Dortmund, Germany
30 Aug - The Carlisle, Hastings, UK
31 Aug - Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham, UK
1 Sep - Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham, UK
3 Sep - The 1865, Southampton, UK
4 Sep - New Cross Inn, London, UK
5 Sep - The Bourne Music Club, Sittingbourne, UK
7 Sep - Breda Barst Festival, Breda, The Netherlands
8 Sep - De Blaaspijp, Koekelare, Belgium
 
For further information please contact Lauren Schuller | lauren@mascotlabelgroup.com