Holiday at the Secret Lake by Cold Water Swimmers

Cold Water Swimmers are an alternative rock band from Manchester, whose catchy tunes are reminiscent of classic post-punk, noise-pop, jangly-rock and proto-punk. Comprised of Chris Bridgett on vocals/guitar (of Dub Sex, Rude Club and The G-O-D), Carrie Lawson on bass/backing vocals (of Thirst) and Selina Clements Woolnough on drums, Cold Water Swimmers are a band that dips into the DNA pool of folk rock, whilst paddling in the deep-end of Punk. For a trio, Cold Water Swimmers sure know how to fill the boots of a much bigger band and create music that is anthemically raw and ready to draw in the crowds.

They are the kind of band who have everyone singing along at the first opportunity, tapping their feet, whilst swigging a few beers along the way. What’s great about Cold Water Swimmers is they are a band unintentionally uplifting, a band that fuel the fires of rebellion and stays true to punk ethos, whilst creating a feel-good collective. Through their politically driven lyrics, Cold Water Swimmers dive deep into the depths of Dystopia and austerity whilst offering us a glimpse of hope. Having formed in 2018, Cold Water Swimmers have been making waves with their debut album “Holiday at the Secret Lake” and gaining a loyal fanbase due to their impressive live shows.

“Love is Insane” revives third-wave post-punk, picking up where bands like The Subways and The Vines left off. It’s a brilliant opener that streams with an unhinged energy that pulsates with a youthful charm. Through the adrenaline-infused riffs, “Love is Insane” highjacks the senses, whilst showcasing the band’s uncompromising, robust and invigorating spirit. Along with the raw vocals, “Love is Insane” shouts from the punk platform whilst perfecting its raucous sound.

“Falling Apart” takes a nostalgic trip to the glam parlour of post-punk, whilst rollicking in the muddy waters of grunge and post-hardcore. It’s a track that encompasses the guitar-laden grandeur of the late 80s and early 90s, without drowning in its dirge. A heavy-duty gem, “Falling Apart” shrieks from the side-lines of Seattle whilst dragging Black Francis into the pits of hell.

“Breaking Hearts” strums from the neo-psychedelic dust of Flaming Lips, whilst harmonising with the cosmic gods of Mercury Rev. It’s a mesmerising track, whose concentric strums tinkle in the slumbers of dark-wave and is awakened by the drowsy vocals and staggered beats.

“Summer Breeze” rotates and collides from the debris of alt-rock whilst spinning in the orbit of neo-psychedelia. It’s a great track whose chunky, stompy, fluty flutters and jangly riffs preen centre-stage aside the uber-cool vocals of Bridgett. It’s a track whose catchy chorus creates an anthemic ambience that windsweeps you towards sun-drenched skies.

“Burn Your Idols” descends down into the darkest depths of post-punk, whilst rising from the ashes of Mod. It’s a hypnotic track, whose angular riffs smoulder and brood with gritty galore. Through the compelling vocals, “Burn Your Idols” burns from the embers of spoken-word and flies high with its combatant spirit.

“Everything We’ve Ever Had (we’ve had to fight for)” goes back to basics and resurrects the post-punk soul, likened to The Chameleons and Joy Division. It’s a brilliant track that prowls and preens from the shadows of goth-rock, whilst stage diving into Industrial dark-wave.

Through the spiked strums and riotous riffs, “Replaced by Robots” is punk personified that shouts from the terraces and purrs down the allies. It’s a heart-thumping track, that stomps from the gutters of the Sex Pistols whilst gazing at the stars.

“Be My Sunshine” scrapes, reverberates and pulsates in an infectious spin of post-punk and neo-psychedelia. It’s a track that is sun-drenched in youthful yearning, whilst shining towards a neo-folk horizon. Through the deadpan vocals, “Be My Sunshine” delivers with an understated cool, that glimpses at the melancholic skies.

“So Young” jangles in a swirly spin of rainbow rock and neo-psychedelia. Through the sprightly strums and hazy harmonies, “So Young” throbs with a youthful joviality that sun-kisses post-punk back to life. Like The Kinks on speed, “So Young” takes a trip down memory lane, whilst dancing in a dandy dwelling of Indie-pop.

“I’ll Be Your Witness” drones and crashes in the tailback of Industrial post-punk, whilst colliding with the remains of post-Brit-pop. It’s a captivating track, whose nonchalant vocal delivery cuts through the metallic mesh of the mosh-pit, whilst creating a backdrop of melodramatic ambience.