The Cold Seas – “Retrograde”

“Retrograde” is a captivating, atmospheric new track from The Cold Seas, an unsigned trio from Asbury Park, NJ featuring a singer/songwriter who has written/produced on Rihanna’s ANTI album. The track’s first half nicely touts a ballad feel, haunting in a vein reminiscent to fellow Jersey native Bruce Springsteen’s “Streets of Philadelphia“. The second half shifts to a brisker and more infectious electro-pop showing, emphasizing the act’s stylistic versatility. This perkier second half retails the first half’s atmosphere, though turning up the melodic power a notch with a buzzing bass-synth and percussive additions. Clearly, The Cold Seas excel at crafting atmospheric successes that build with natural allure. The “cross your mind” hook at the three-minute mark is the cherry on top.