Liverpool Duo The Wood Present Soulful and Timeless New 'Cold Fire' EP

The Wood, photo by John Johnson

The Wood, a Liverpool-based duo, released their “Cold Fire” EP through UK label Riverdream Records. The Wood skillfully blends soul, rock, and folk in songs full of purpose and a natural sense of release. Alex Evans (vocals) and Steve Powell (guitar and bass) produce music that is hard to classify but nevertheless seems familiar.

Mastered by Pete Maher (U2, Nick Cave, Depeche Mode, Pixies. Nine Inch Nails), the EP was produced by Steve Powell, an expert at unearthing sonic magic. Having recorded many notable artists records, including Michael Head and The Strands, John Power, def.fo, The Stairs and Ella Guru, Powell also produced and played guitar on the first Michael Head and the Red Elastic Band record ‘Arturius Revisited’, as well as the number one indie album ‘Adios Senor Pussycat’.

On the lead track ‘Cold Fire’, the duo is accompanied by former Island Records singer Brooke Combe, who recently performed on Later With Jools Holland and has just supported Lionel Richie on his UK-Ireland summer tour and Benson Boone on his US tour this past month. She has committed herself to infusing more spirit into the people, placing herself in fitting company with The Wood. It appears to be a common goal.

The soothing blues chords of an electric piano begin as Combe’s timeless soul voice gently enters a welcoming spotlight. She’s direct in the blend, singing right to you; still, it seems intimate and personal. ‘Cold Fire’ gently approaches the chorus, centered on a gathering of gospel harmonies and a smooth, inviting rhythm. The emergence of Alex Evans’ voice, cascading through the ranges and transitions, carries a distinct soul toughness. An ideal blend of gospel, soul, jazz, and rock, and it’s genuine. It seems timeless, a raw jewel of a song delivered in the simplest form.

The Wood’s more eclectic take on ‘Romantic Attitude’, the rare soul gem by John Fitch and Associates, demands attention and then casually delivers an infectious funk rhythm. Steve Powell’s dazzlingly psychedelic guitar solos are a staple, evoking the vibe of a celebration you truly wish you had attended.

‘Hold On’ has a weathered, sunbaked, gritty, and unrefined quality, reminiscent of Laurel Canyon seen through a stained and broken windshield. You can sense the presence of whisky close by. It’s a tune of longing and optimism, a dialogue carried away by the passage of time. Steve Powell’s sparse production and Phil Melville’s intertwined layers of slide dobro weave around Alex Evans’ crafted soul vocal, in an environment where only essentials are permitted. No frills, no hassle from this flawlessly matched songwriting pair.

According to the band, the song ‘Wait For The Sun’ means business. It comes storming in, in a blizzard of insistent urgency, intense and unforgiving. It’s all chugging and rock guitars, blissed out harmonies, and an Alex Evans vocal steeped in his trademark passionate energy. This is The Wood in triumphant mode, and rightly so, because the ‘Cold Fire’ EP is a definite triumph.

Rewinding a few years, Evans and Powell met while Evans was recording at his Ark Recording Studios, located amongst the imposing brick edifices of Liverpool’s ancient dockland. Released in 2024, their debut ‘Days’ album (previewed by ‘Let It Loose’), also involved Martin Smith and Simon James (The Coral, Shack) on brass and Jake Howden-Woodward (Nova Twins) on drums.

As of October 31, the ‘Cold Fire’ EP is available everywhere online, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp:

‘Cold Fire’ EP https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/thewood1/cold-fire-2

Bandcamp https://thewood1.bandcamp.com/album/cold-fire

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/album/2qpCu3osFZURm9QEW8uKar

Apple Music https://music.apple.com/us/album/cold-fire-ep/1843625479

Track List:

1. Cold Fire (feat. Brooke Combe);

2. Romantic Attitude

3. Hold On;

4. Wait For The Sun

Single Credits:

Written by Steve Powell & Alex Evans; Alex Evans – vocals; Steve Powell – guitar & bass; Brooke Combe – vocals; Jake Woodward – drums; Mike Smith – organ; Rob Stringer – piano; Charlie Griffiths – backing vocals; Clair Griffiths – backing vocals; Amy Chalmers – violin; Matt Phillips – cello; Rachel Nicholas – viola; Produced & recorded by Steve Powell at Ark Recording Studios, Liverpool; Mastered by Pete Maher; Single cover graphics by Alex Evans; EP cover graphics by Alex Evans & Ed Rimmer; Released by Riverdream Records 2025; Artist photos by John Johnson

Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR:

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https://littlecloudrecords.bandcamp.com/

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