EP REVIEW: Afterthoughts – Cold Culture

Some may agree that being able to join a new band on their first steps into the music industry is pretty cool – to be there from the start and be able to say that you remember listening to their first ever release should they blow up in a few years’ time. Perhaps Danish newcomers COLD CULTURE could be that next band with their first EP Afterthoughts. Going in totally blind to a release with no previous preconceptions of an established sound allows for a few surprises. Said to produce a blend of post-hardcore, hard rock and electronic elements, COLD CULTURE display a few different sounds throughout this EP.

Opening track Faded starts off with some interesting piano notes before transitioning into a rippling electronic segment. Vocals are then introduced, a nice mid tone reaching higher notes towards the end of the chorus. Overall, the first three quarters of the song are catchy and flow well, but the real fun starts when an unexpected breakdown ensues. Some pretty guttural screams were not what was expected when the track first started, but whilst only a short segment of the song itself, these uncleans stand out and even make a reappearance towards the end. This heavier sound isn’t really present in the rest of the EP, but it begs the question, will future releases explore this edgier side of COLD CULTURE?

Cold begins with a super cool electrified riff, which has some great depth even by itself. With some really poignant lyrics and a chanted chorus, this track feels like a cry for help. Pair this with some lower tuned guitars and it’s a nice track that will work well in a live setting. Interestingly, track four, Downfall, has an almost BRING ME THE HORIZON vibe to it. The pairing of the electronic elements with hard rock brings about a very accessible sound for all. The hook is catchy and all the instruments ride the wave of the song well.

The last track on the EP, Low, features NORMANDIE frontman Philip Strand. This song almost has a club feel to it with the almost EDM beats at times. Strand’s vocals fit perfectly into COLD CULTURE’s sound, bringing a slight edge whilst not taking away from the rest of the composition. Overall, Afterthoughts is a very solid first release from COLD CULTURE. Every song is enjoyable and surprising, and it’s exciting to hear elements that may be delved into more in future releases.

Rating: 8/10

Afterthoughts is set for release on October 6th via Prime Collective.

Like COLD CULTURE on Facebook.