Sometimes, I find it more interesting to talk to up and coming bands who don’t quite have the label or backing that other do simply because it’s refreshing to hear unrehearsed answers. Chatting with Craig Almquist and Alex Smith of the Philadelphia based band Cold Fronts shortly before they opened for Kingsfoil was one of those refreshing interviews. Their relaxed attitudes made for a fun and funny chat. Add to the mix that their show was full of energy and the band connected with each other and the audience while on stage, and you have the perfect mix.
Arin: How did the band come together and really get started?
Craig: The band came together about a year and a half ago out of the growing realization that I just really wanted to pursue music and I didn’t wanna just be working at some job that I really did like… I really didn’t wanna go to an office every day and I was really just trying to figure out how to get out of that, and the band just kind of started and then snowballed and then completely took over our lives [laughs].
Alex: It was just like a combination of crazy elements in a giant east coast dustball. [Everything] just like exploded and out came Cold Fronts.
C: Also, a good way to say it is, we started renting space to host bands and have bands play – and that was before the band – and it was basically a garage that we called The Rathouse and we were having bands come through; and then naturally because we had the instruments there, we just started playing together and then it just went from there.
Arin: If you had to describe your sound, how would you describe it?
Alex: I’d say raw, fuzzed-out, rock with dual guitars.
C: [laughs] Wait, raw, rat, guitarmony, east coast, urban, fuzz…
Alex: That’s pretty good.
C: Raw. Twice. Two raws.
Arin: As of right now, what do you have out for people to listen to and what do you have coming?
C: Well when we first started, we did a single called ‘Blood’ and we made a music video for it and put it on YouTube and all that; and then we made a five song EP and released it last march and we have two singles coming out this week, so we will have seven songs out soon. Then, we’re going into the studio at the end of the month to do four more.
Arin: What do you love most about playing music?
C: Definitely playing live shows.
Alex: Yeah, live shows.
C: [Live shows] for kids who are enthusiastic and nice. For me, I like being on stage the most. It’s fun to see people’s reactions to sounds and it’s always good.
Alex: Yeah, I like the live shows, making people dance and freak out. The live shows are definitely the best part.