Cold Weather Captains Release Their Fiery Self-Titled Album
By: Chris Buxton IG: @chrisbuxtonllg
It’s very rare for me to find music that resonates with me nowadays. I don’t know if it’s due to the oversaturation of the music industry, or the lack of time and focus. However, through all the confusion in the world, I still seem to find industry changing artists & bands. Although it has gotten harder, there is a high I get from finding innovative artists that are creating music because they love the art. This week, I was happy to come across the Toronto-based rock band Cold Weather Captains.
Cold Weather Captains are a high energy band that have continued to build a cult like following with their electric sound. Founded in 2018 as an instrumental trio featuring Bradley Scott (lead guitar), Erik Meechem (rhythm guitar), and Kevin Penny (drums), the band has cultivated a unique sound that can be classified as funky & eclectic. Since the release of their EP in 2021, CWC has added a lead vocalist (Justin Di Donato) and a bassist (Christina Dare) to round out their sound and lineup. The band is raw, genuine, and they are in you face. Since their beginnings as a laid-back jam band, Cold Weather Captains have grown lyrically & sonically into one of the most polarizing bands out. Now, they have garnered our support on their fiery self-titled album “Cold Weather Captains”.
The album is an introduction into what hard work and persistence in an ever-changing industry gets you. Laced with emotive lyrics, engaging sonics, and memorable hooks, “Cold Weather Captains” is one of my favorite albums of the year. The album takes listeners on a sonic journey that you won’t want end. Blending various sounds that include blues, psychedelic rock, funk, and hip-hop, each sound builds on each other while offering something for all music lovers. The 10-track album is a testament to the band’s growth and resilience.
“Cold Weather Captains” was produced by Alex Gamble (Alvvays, Sarah Harmer, Fucked Up) and recorded live off the floor at Union Sound (Toronto) with additional recording and mixing, editing, and mastering completed at Raventape Music Room (Toronto). My favorite songs on the album were “Kings and Queens” & “Eyes On Me”. “Kings and Queens” has a funky sound while also providing rappy verses that keep you captivated before giving you one of the most memorable hooks of the year. I loved the pacing and overall build up of the song. The guitar riffs were engaging, and this is was one of the “headier” records on the album. “Eyes On Me” is an introspective record that features self-reflective lyrics that evoke raw emotions. The record touches on themes of childhood innocence & freedom. As we get older, we all lose that sense of wonder & imagination we once had as a kid. This record is so relatable in many ways. “Cold Weather Captains” is a must-hear album, and I hope you take the time to listen.
