If there’s been an aesthetic fault in the past decade’s post-punk resurgence, it’s been that so much of it has been too arch and lacking in feeling, particularly in contrast to the fragile emo and post-9/11 gloom that bands such as Bloc Party and Interpol brought to the first revival 20 odd years ago.
Cola’s ‘Cost Of Living Adjustment’ is a great prism through which we can observe both sides of this faultline. The Montreal-originating band’s third album is a charming, casual, sometimes impactful collection of post-punk and indie-rock, one that starts to soar when it allows itself to emote.
The best example of this, and the best track on the album, is Conflagration Mindset. An obvious reference to frontman Tim Darcy losing his home in last year’s L.A. wildfires, the smartly-structured track is soft but propulsive, coursing with fragile vocals that hit uniquely hard.
A couple of other songs operate in this casually impactful mode. Hedgesitting drifts into baggy bliss, occasionally punctured by recurring stabs of gorgeous lead guitars. Favoured Over The Ride is also relaxed but pretty, going nowhere but, aptly, just enjoying the ride.
Other moments are less memorable. Havelock Country rides a dull groove with little else going on, while Polished Knives sounds too much like the already-dated arty post-punk of the late 2010s. However, when it hits, ‘Cost Of Living Adjustment’ boasts moments of deep feeling, the kind that can open you up with the relaxed and approachable bedside manner of a seasoned surgeon.
Cola Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Mon November 02 2026 - BRISTOL Strange Brew
Tue November 03 2026 - LONDON Garage
Wed November 04 2026 - YORK Crescent
Thu November 05 2026 - GLASGOW Stereo
Fri November 06 2026 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE Cluny
Sat November 07 2026 - MANCHESTER White Hotel
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