Let me be completely honest; there wasn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that I wouldn’t love Sleep in the Cold, Waterfront‘s EP set to release on January 26th via Affiant Records.
After hearing “I Wanna Run” featuring Gutter King and “Keeping You Alive”, Waterfront fully restored my hope for the future of rock music. Sure, we could rely on bands that are already out there or who have been there, but if metal can see a resurgence, then rock and those bands that can fill clubs to arenas can also have a revival. Besides, nothing beats seeing a tried and true rock band live.
Waterfront is the definition of a tried and true rock band. Formed in Alberta and now based in Calgary, the quintet of Dan Sequeira (vocals), Tanner Cyr (bass and backing vocals), Devin Taylor (lead guitar), Ryan Ross (rhythm guitar), and Benjamin Forseth (drums), the band is no stranger to the music scene with their releases Fever Dream and New Heights.
But Sleep in the Cold turns everything up to eleven, makes it one louder, and shows the continued growth not only as a band but as musicians and writers. “I Wanna Run” with Gutter King addresses ending toxic relationships with thundering bass and drums and sing-a-long lyrics that are infectious and fist pumping while the bass in “Keeping You Alive” pulses with a life of its own as duelling guitars weave tight melodies against harmonious vocals.
Stand out track “The Catalyst” is the soul of Sleep in the Cold. It highlights Waterfront’s artistry and rock prowess. Anthemic, rhythmic, powerful, and catchy, it represents rock and the band at their finest.
Not to be overlooked, the opening track, “Ordinary Love” and closing track, “Atmosphere” assert their own rock creds. Both are proof positive of Waterfront’s rock sound that echoes with a dash of Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle, and Theory of a Deadman, but as I’ve said before and I’ll reiterate here, Waterfront‘s originality is what sets them apart, and the familiarity of their sound is what makes them a hit.
Sleep in the Cold fearlessly explores those that take one for granted, overcoming fears, and staying alive. It is, unequivocally, pure rock ‘n’ roll at its best.
EP Artwork by Cameron Burns
MUST LISTEN TRACKS: All 5 tracks on Sleep in the Cold
EDITOR’S NOTE: this review has been updated, in our original, we wrongly credited Nothing Grows Here and Slowly Getting Better by Waterfront but were by Calling All Captains.
