Cold Lips new single ‘Jellyfish Drink’ has a 60s heart
Cold Lips, the south Devon based indie rock band, known for their funk-infused, festival-ready tracks started in 2019, now aged 15, the boys have released their third single ‘Jellyfish Drink’.
Coming off the back of their melancholy, Sticky Fingers ode ‘Only Rain’, their new track is more raunchy and more 60s than I could ever imagine. Cold lips are teasing us with a new chapter, one that’s eccentric, witty and not afraid to make us dance. ‘Jellyfish Drink’ launches from toe tapping noodling into whole body twisting, the classic 60s sentiment is clear from the first strum, but it’s the sheer abundance of charisma and quirk that hits you first. From the hand clapping, to the four-chord riff that shimmies throughout, I just can’t shake this Kinks feeling. Not just in sound but in body, like the Kinks, Cold lips have shown they can genre hop with ease, determined to break away from whatever box their last single put them in.
Lightning doesn’t strike twice, but Cold Lips are definitely the thunder that follows. Establishing such a retro sound isn’t just about riffs, but about the heart and the feeling within those riffs, the emotion and nostalgia they evoke. They’re not trying to make a fantasy version of themselves, they’re just playing what feels natural. Their youthful stamina that ploughs this song on creates an energy like no other, this is what the 60s were all about baby. It’s crying out for live shows, this is the song to get everyone chanting along. The distortion on the rhythm guitar acts as a call and response for the crowd but also for the bass. With the slaps and pops from bass paired with the clean cut solos…you need a bit of grit! However, the distortion from the lead doesn’t weigh the track down, rather balances the sugar with the spice. The slightly warped twang prevents this clearly 60s inspired track becoming a parody. The guitars are more Inspiral Carpets than the Monkees.
The ‘All day and all of the night’ riff is the star of the show, but there are still little nods and in-jokes buried within. The band have captured their free-spirit prime with ‘Jellyfish drink’, the track revels in the old but never compromises or prunes away any trademark Cold Lip flare. The signature bass is still injecting ‘Freaky Styley’ funk in the most unexpected places. Hearing such a modern sound is a jolt of electricity, making you groove rather than just mosh. Catching you off guard and showing the boys place everything with purpose and care. Nothing is by accident, everything in this track is carefully positioned to create the perfect portal into a bygone Yardbirds era. The track is perfectly timed, while the guitar riff catches its breath, the toms roll on through, like 50 50cc exhausts hurtling towards you. They want you to close your eyes and feel parka on your back. It’s a pop of mid-century fun I think we all need right now, it’s got charm and a smirk on its face.
They have two other singles out on all platforms ‘Only rain’ and ‘These people’, with an EP in the works, keep updated with the band on Instagram.