The Cold Stares Members, Gear & Sound

The Cold Stares is a modern blues-rock power trio hailing from Evansville, Indiana, with roots tracing back to Western Kentucky. Formed in 2012, the group originally started as a duo with Chris Tapp (vocals, guitar) and Brian Mullins (drums), later expanding to include Bryce Klueh (bass) in 2022. Known for their gritty and raw sound, The Cold Stares blend elements of rock, blues, and hard rock, creating a powerful sonic landscape that nods to both classic and psychedelic influences. Their music explores themes of resilience and redemption, resonating with a Southern storytelling flair despite their Midwestern origins.

The Cold Stares' sound is characterized by fuzz-drenched guitar riffs and dynamic rock rhythms, capturing a balance between aggressive and melodic elements. Their music often features vintage-inspired, tube-driven warmth, achieved through gear like the Friedman Dirty Shirley 40 40-watt Tube Head and the Fender 1968 Fender Super Reverb Silverface. Chris Tapp's guitar work, known for its fuzz-laden, blues-infused solos, often employs pedals like the King Tone - miniFuzz to create a rich, woolly texture. The rhythmic backbone provided by Mullins and Klueh supports their expansive sound, blending tight, driving grooves with more free-form, improvisational elements reminiscent of bands like Led Zeppelin and Cream.