The Wood, a Liverpool duo (Alex Evans and Steve Powell), return with their single “Cold Fire”, a soulful, intimate track that perfectly showcases the band’s ability to blend soul, jazz, rock and folk into a sound that feels warm and familiar. Brooke Combe’s heartfelt vocals lead the song, full of passion, Steve Powell’s guitar and bass provide a rich, layered foundation and Alex Evans adds to the sensitivity of the song with his vocal delivery. The production is clean and detailed, highlighting every subtle nuance. But Brooke Combe is the one, who elevates “Cold Fire” to another level. Her voice is upfront and expressive, perfectly complementing Evans’ delivery. Together, they create a dynamic and engaging vocal interplay that gives the song a sense of emotional weight. Musically, “Cold Fire” opens with smooth electric piano chords that set a mellow, compelling tone. As the song progresses, gospel-inspired harmonies, subtle electronic touches and a simmering groove develop, giving the track a timeless feel. The instrumentation balances simplicity and sophistication — Powell’s guitar lines are melodic and expressive and the solid rhythm section drives the track forward. The song builds naturally toward its chorus and the guitar solo makes this song a precious, unmissable gem. “Cold Fire” is a beautifully crafted single that captures The Wood at their best. It is polished and heartfelt, merging different genres with ease while keeping the focus on genuine emotion. For fans of music with depth and character, this single is an introduction to the sound of a lovely band.
♦ 8/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
