The Cold Beat - 'Get Safe'

Hailing from Allston, Mass., the guys in the Cold Beat deal in simple but fun rock. Containing flecks of punk and alt-country and falling somewhere in between the Replacements, the Get Up Kids and late period Nada Surf, the group’s new record Get Safe is a breezy, infectious listen. It’s catchy mood music.

Opener “Play to Win” is a midtempo, horn-driven rocker that skirts the edge of melancholy and pop. It’s not the catchiest or fastest song on the record, which makes it a somewhat questionable choice for a first track, but it gets things going regardless. “Copper Green” is a little peppier in an Old 97s way, but it isn’t until track three, “Snake Oil,” that the record starts to take off. It’s a rolling rocker that just keeps dropping big hooks like they’re nothing. The chorus is so huge and simple it’s perfect – “I could be the one” – and then the group throws in a coda that’s even better than that. Yeah, the lyrics aren’t particularly revelatory, but it’s so dang catchy.

The record goes in a similar sing-song fashion, which is perhaps one of its shortcomings. Get Safe’s 11 tracks are all pretty similar. The record isn’t exactly the most inventive musical document. It’s not deep on a lyrical level and feels a little tossed off in places. The production lacks punch. I’m not sure if this album needs to be glossier or grittier, but right now it’s in this awkward middle ground where it just sounds tinny. But it’s a fun album, dammit.

Get Safe is a good alt-rock record. It’s modest in ambition but effortlessly enjoyable. It’s just good.

The Cold Beat / Movers & Shakers - split

Here’s a DIY story for ya: The fellows in the Cold Beat and Movers & Shakers paid for their seven-inch split by shoveling snow. Given that they all hail from the Boston area, they probably moved a ton of crystalline water ice. Their status as good neighbors warrants a spin or two for their split.

Cold Beat kicks the four song collection off with “Absolute Zero” and “Tracks” with all the flair of early Thursday (circa Waiting) mixed with Piebald. It passes by well enough, but could use more punch considering the band’s style. “Absolute Zero” starts promisingly only to peter out. “Tracks,” though, comes off more fully formed with its dirty, slinking bass groove guiding the listener through the atmospheric verses, driving choruses and guitar solo.

Movers & Shakers take over the B side with “Movin’ On” and “An Original Idea.” Both tunes are in the Replacements/Lucero vein – jangle-y punk rock that’s earthy enough to appeal to those outside of the mosh pit. The music is assured and steady, although charmingly laid back compared to the Cold Beat’s side.

Given that three out of the four tunes here are decent, perhaps you’ll reward the bands’ hard winter work with a listen?