Cola’s second album, The Gloss, sees the Montrealer trio – former Ought members Tim Darcy and Ben Stidworth, with drummer Evan Cartwright – embarking on a more intricate musical quest. Released under Fire Talk Records, it’s an album that reflects their growing sound, carefully balancing their post-punk roots with a warmer, more wide-ranging approach.
The band’s music thrives on tension: precise, angular riffs are underscored by a sense of uncertainty and unease. In The Gloss, this tension’s still there, but it’s softened by a slight fatigue, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing (demonstrated lyrically in ‘Down To Size’).
Opening with ‘Tracing Hallmarks,’ the album sets an intimate tone. Darcy’s vocals combine sprechgesang (speaking-singing) and melody, lending a poetic weight to his musings. The track features chugging bass rhythms and turns that are both familiar (think early Strokes) and refreshing. Cola have honed their sound with a deep understanding of their influences, drawing from the rich tradition of indie music from the late ’90s to now.
Standout tracks like ‘Pulling Quotes’ and ‘Albatross’ reveal the band’s range. ‘Pulling Quotes’ evolves into a lush arrangement, showcasing their ability to synthesise tension with release. ‘Albatross,’ contrasts mechanical rhythms with Darcy’s emotive delivery; the result is an engaging, albeit slightly jarring, experience.
Produced by Valentin Ignat, The Gloss captures the band’s raw energy through live recordings with minimal overdubs, lending the album an organic feel. The interplay between Darcy’s sharp riffs and Stidworthy’s robust basslines highlights their impressive partnership, while Cartwright’s versatile drumming adds complexity with its constant chopping and changing.
The bassline threads its way through the album, both prominent yet soothing, with Stidworthy’s bass guitar serving as a force that gives the music a hypnotic, meditative quality. The inclusion of mellotron, organ, and other textures broadens the palette, contributing to The Gloss’s cinematic quality.
The Gloss showcases Cola’s ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. It balances precision with warmth, tension with release, and minimalism with richness. For those familiar with Ought or discovering Cola for the first time, The Gloss has a lot to offer post-punk indie heads.
Keep up to date with the best in UK music by following us on Instagram: @whynowworld and on Twitter/X: @whynowworld
1 Comment
good article