Cold Gawd, 2026, photo by Tori Siperly
Cold Gawd's forthcoming EP Glory2 brings forward the muscular distortion of God Get Me The Fuck Out of Here (2022) and the lush production I'll Drown On This Earth (2024) and adapts them to a new era for the group.
For the California Shoegaze band's founder and frontman/guitarist Matthew Wainwright, the opportunity to tour extensively has been a lifelong dream. "I worked my whole life to get to the point where I could pack in the van with my friends and my songs and see the world,” he says. After receiving critical praise for their sophomore album, Cold Gawd took their show on the road, supporting bands Spiritual Cramp, Soft Blue Shimmer, High Vis, and more. Then, upon returning home from their fall 2025 tour, the allure of childhood dreams began to fade and the reality of exhaustion took its place.
watch the music video for "Grease"
More than being a record about touring, Glory2 examines the frustration and deep longing stemming from distance. Musically, the EP is the band’s most realized and captivating production to date. Cold Gawd’s effervescent distortion and pummeling grooves continue to be the band’s trademark, but are newly reflected across the track list. Songs on Glory2 draw inspiration from shoegaze luminaries (DIIV), long-time favorites (Beach House), but also show the band branching out, infusing influences from the hip-hop collective BROCKHAMPTON and emo rockers Tigers Jaw.
The first single "Grease" dismisses any notion that Cold Gawd have lost their edge. The song grasps at stability in the struggle to keep moving forward. Wainwright’s exhaustion is palpable: “Brief joy found in praise” he sings “It meant nothing.” Accolades and pats on the back don’t put gas in the tank. Grease is unyielding, propulsive in the verses, and catches air in the choruses. Wainwright delivers a familiar gauzy vocal complimented by panoramic guitars, lifted higher to his vision of completeness. Even if the needle is hovering on E, Grease proves that Cold Gawd is no less explosive.
The six songs on Glory2 feature contributions from members Brandon Aviles (Guitar/Production), Cameron Fonacier (Drums), and Cameron "Duck" Burris (Bass/Vocals). With producer Max Mercier at the helm, Glory2 is the group's most collaborative effort to date.
Cold Gawd live:
September 3 - Los Angeles, CA at Moroccan Lounge