The Cold Beat / Movers & Shakers
Split 7”
Self-Released; 2010
When I reviewed Dumbwaiter by The Cold Beat in Summer 2009, I noted that I found myself with mostly fond thoughts regarding the record’s working class bar rock sound. Well, the outfit has returned with a split 7” that it’s releasing with fellow Boston, MA residents Movers & Shakers, and the result is yet another earnest, blue-collar project that is equal parts The Replacements, Gaslight Anthem, and Lucero. The Cold Beat present “Absolute Zero” and “Tracks,” two straight-up-no-chaser tunes that call to mind a bunch of hard-drinking buddies who love to jam. Movers & Shakers show themselves to bit a bit more musically adept with “Movin’ On” and “An Original Idea” by adding in some tasteful organ work atop a bed of guitar lines that hint at both indie-pop and classic rock.
Unfortunately, much like I felt with Dumbwaiter, these songs also blur together a bit, as they all have the same sort of “spending time with the guys down at the corner bar” feel, and that can occasionally get as stale as old beer. I dig that it’s readily apparent that these two bands know each other and have an easy rapport with each other, and I’m sure I’d enjoy hearing them ply their trade at a variety of dive bars across Beantown. Yet, I think that these songs are a bit too dirty and rough-and-tumble. Basically, I’m looking for a bit more pop polish – I’m not asking for suits and ties; I merely wish for the hands to be washed before you sit down at the table.