As the drums pop to begin “Heart Attack,” the opening track to Cold Fronts’ debut EP Pretty American, the song demonstrates the group’s natural gravitational pull towards catchy hooks that hide around every corner of the album. The dual guitars play off each other providing the energy to cook up these tasty power pop morsels. While one lays down the power chord riffs – a quick flurry which sets the tone and also moves with a casual yet upfront feel, the second guitar lays down lines straying ever so distant from the group yet remaining tied in. The vocals welcome you into the party with a carefree, YOLO attitude. With that glimpse into the aesthetic framework of the band’s first release, the following track “Primetime” revels in the EP’s slackerdom vibe with its lazy drawl delivery and late night, substance-induced Philosophy 101 lyrics. “We’re all just a bunch of mistakes.” However, there is glimmer of hope (and familiarity) with the song’s anthemic chorus – “woah, we can make it better, come on, come on, let’s get together” – that could inspire an audience sing-along long after the band has stopped playing. The album closer “Catch” holds true to the previous tracks found on the record balancing clean, burrow-into-your-head guitar riffs with lyrics that speak to the listener in a straight-forward manner. “Let’s run away into a new town, let’s catch a wave, let’s find a new sound.”
Pretty American succeeds in its simplicity combining the steady backbeat with the driving force of relatable, vintage guitar licks and lyrics that almost instantly seem memorable. It’s classic radio-friendly pop rock from below the waist with a youthful kick. The EP opens the door to Cold Fronts, and after taking a listen, you’ll want to step inside and look around. – Michael Colavita