on a recent trip to nyc cold specks gave fans a few reasons to get all excited about. check out al spx’s semi-impromptu session delivering “elephant head” at harlem’s historic paris blues bar. then during her la blogotheque session she showcases her soulful blues-tinged pipes by unleashing, the aforementioned “elephant head” then adding “heavy hands” and “blank maps” as stirring chasers. you can also check out cold specks on npr’s world cafe for additional, then check out the band’s north american tour schedule for dates near you. you can get the previous songs and others on cold speck’s album ‘i predict a graceful expulsion‘ via arts & crafts on itunes. peace. Continue reading “cold specks // new york sessions”
cold specks // hector (hoxton hall session)
Cold Specks has just released her latest Hoxton Hall Session video, “Hector”. The second of this four-part series filmed at the famed venue in London, UK “Hector” can now be viewed on the Cold Specks website along with the first video for “Winter Solstice.” Peace. Continue reading “cold specks // hector (hoxton hall session)”
cold specks // blank maps (our sunday best)
Cold Specks is the project of Al Spx. Her voice is a mixture of southern gospel, the stark organic beauty of folk, with just a tinge of bluegrass at times. The songs she sings are eloquently performed hymnals; which touch your soul dead center. And when you hear words like haunting or ethereal as descriptors they’re on the mark. I first heard her offerings via the songs “Holland” and “Old Stepstone” both weighty and not for the faint of heart. Here, I posted the song, “Blank Maps” and after listening you can ‘hear’ why I’m a fan. You can pre-order her forthcoming debut LP I Predict A Graceful Expulsion (May 22nd) at www.coldspecks.com and at Amazon. Also, for further goosebump inducing fare, check out her cover of the Swans’ “Reeling The Liars In“, taken from the 12” Dancing Coins EP. Peace. Continue reading “cold specks // blank maps (our sunday best)”
cold specks // holland // lay me down
23-year-old Al Spx from Etobicoke, Canada is Cold Specks. Recently, she and her songs have done a bit of traveling, as she spreads her river baptismal sound into ears and hearts the world over. Listen to her touching fare, “Holland” and “Old Stepstone.” Cold Specks’ sound is recognizable, they’re heavily steeped in the American deep south/folk gospel tradition, and they touch you the way a fire and brimstone sermon would. They make you both nervous and contrite, even for sins you’ve only dreamed about. Also, her songs are right where they should be, and really I can’t imagine a better medium for them than Spx’s wade-in-the-water voice. A voice which is beautifully haunting, and powerful like the thunderstorms of the lonesome plains. I am beyond giddy, so looking forward to hearing more Cold Specks debut release via Arts & Crafts. Peace. Continue reading “cold specks // holland // lay me down”