The Cold Beat

Featuring former members of Lock and Key and inblackandwhite, the Cold Beat are a Replacements-worshiping, vocally, shambolic rock'n'roll band that lean slightly to the side of punk by sheer virtue of execution. With a sound drawing primarily from Pleased To Meet Me-era 'Mats, minus the weird background keyboard noodling, the band's creative use of background and gang vocals on songs like "I Wanna Be Free" elevates them from simple tribute territory. There's earnestness to the performances, which is an instant and recognizable feature in each song, and a benefit when you're covering well-worn sonic territory like this. It's not going to replace your copy of Stink but it'll provide you with some good music to drink beers and generally fuck up to.