The Cold Blooded Hearts – ‘The Cold Light Of Day’

(Cherry Red Records)

The Cold Blooded Hearts are fronted by former professional footballer and current QPR manager Gareth Ainsworth. Now to anyone who has an interest in the beautiful game they’ll more than likely be fully aware that Ainsworth is well known as a rocker who moonlights as a musician in his spare time. Cherry Red Records were even shirt sponsors of his previous managerial job Wycombe Wanderers. So, his passion of music is no secret but I never realised he was part of an original act, let alone ready to drop an album on us.

This is of course their debut album, which sounds like it’s been a long time coming with all the songs written by Ainsworth’s long time musical comrade Lee-Van Sergeant who Ainsworth has worked with for almost two decades!

The Cold Blooded Hearts have a Classic Rock sound but forget the obvious Seventies acts that term evokes, these guys are more influenced by bands that appeared in the Eighties. The most obvious influence which echoes throughout the album principally in the guitars is Dire Straits, but you’ll also hear songwriting influences from the likes of U2, INXS, Bruce Springsteen and even Big Country!

Ainsworth’s vocals have a blues drawl to them but he doesn’t come across as stereotypical blues singer, he has more of a Springsteen or Mark Knopfler vibe going on with his voice. He doesn’t display a massive range on these songs, but he sounds really good regardless and these songs don’t need vocal histrionics to get under your skin and provoke emotions. He should certainly be very proud of his performance on this album.

I really enjoy Sergeant’s guitar work; Knopfler is without doubt a key influence on his overall songwriting. His intricate riffs are evocative and captivating and add a lot to the songs overall emotive feel, from the feel-good party rock of ‘Tell Me’ to the melancholic ‘High’. How his name hasn’t crossed me before really does beggar belief. Given how impressive the album is I’d be genuinely surprised to learn that some of these songs haven’t been crafted and perfected over the course of a few years.

Another flavour I noticed albeit it quite a subtle one was some Celtic tones to some of these songs, it’s probably most notable on the ballad ‘She Ain’t In Love With Me’. I was really impressed with this album and highly recommend everyone checking it out especially if you’re a fan of Dire Straits.

8/10

Essential Track - 'Tell Me'

Review by Woody