“The Gloss” is the second album from Cola – from their inception Cola have expanded on the diy ethic of the Dischord and SST eras, creating potent sounds from a minimal palette of drums/bass/guitar and lacing their songs with winsome one-liners and societal commentary.
The second album from Montreal’s Cola is one of a much brighter disposition. Having disbanded art rock project Ought, vocalist Tim Darcy and bassist Ben Stidworthy released their debut album, “Deep In View“, as Cola in 2021 with the addition of Evan Cartwright on drums. What emerged from this new era of artistic endeavor from the trio was a mixture of new wave and post-punk sounds. Within sparse arrangements, they crafted out a niche, as they leaned heavily towards the more melodic side of the recent post-punk boom. Their debut had more of a neutral emotional palette, which is in sharp contrast to their new album “The Gloss”, in which they’ve managed to create denser and much more vibrant compositions.
What’s another word for commentary? “Gloss“, apparently. Never basic, the lyrics reward repeated listening for deeper meanings. David Berman’s poetry-via-garage light pennings are an inspiration, as equally so are the lighter side of UK first-wave New Wave and the Dunedin sound.
The results are in the pudding: at times sparse and poetic, at others a thrilling, hook-laden good time, as with the cheeky romantic sketch of a one-night stand that is so overflowing with innuendo-cum-journalism talk that it almost teeters over into self-parody.
But the results are the right combination of lightheartedness and sincerity. Romanticism is never far from laughter, and equally never far from righteous anger in the music of Cola: “Pulling quotes now in the dark/Our outlook is restrained/Your tongue might weaken to be-fit your smile/Til nothing ill remains.” ’nuff said. It’s an album bursting with energy and wit and ideas-filled to the margins.
The most immediately striking difference is the sense of warmth you feel across “The Gloss“, where it feels as though you’re basking in the glorious dayglow of perfect morning sunshine. Its presence is felt from the jump on opener “Tracing Hallmarks,” where the guitars become more and more buoyant as the track goes on. Every inch of this album enthuses brighter days, from the gentle flutters of flute on “Pallor Tricks” to the meditative quiet that sets the tone of “Nice Try”. From the beginning of Cola’s existence, Cartwright’s drumming has been one of their greatest attributes. On “Deep In View“, it was essential in creating the vastness felt in their minimal style. This time around, it truly feels like the lifeblood of the tracks, opening the door for Darcy and Stidworthy’s parts to come to life. There are little flourishes, such as the footprint-like taps on “Keys Down If You Stay,” which help bring a greater sense of life to “The Gloss” than the band have achieved previously.
Cola’s new album “The Gloss” out June 14th on Fire Talk / Next Door.
The Fat Angel Sings 