If you’ve ever wondered what wisdom, humor, and life’s rough edges sound like when bottled into a few tracks, Dick Cole’s King of Cool might just be your next favorite spin. And it’s probably because there’s a lot of mileage behind the man himself. A retired military officer, pilot, author, and avid motorcyclist, Cole has lived long enough to offer a record with grounded, lived-in quality. With six tracks in total, the EP proves there’s more to rock and roll than just turning up the volume.
The EP opens with King of Cool, and it has that classic rock groove sound that is such a fitting tribute to Steve McQueen. Think of it as a soundtrack for the opening credits of a classic Hollywood flick that immediately tells you how good the movie is going to be. And while it sounds confident and effortlessly stylish, underneath is still this genuine affection for the man behind the image.
He No Longer Asks follows without the swagger from the opening track. It’s slow, with a hint of tension brooding underneath. Think of a portrait of love slowly fading except it’s painted in restrained, wine-soaked guitars and melodies. Lainey enters with slick guitar lines, like the kind of music you’d come across in a roadside bar. The steady rock-blue rhythm doesn’t stop it from having depth as the line goes “He remembers how healing can start in the dark.”
Still Vertical will have you nodding your head and grinning on the dance floor with its no-filter humor. Somehow, it turns the aches of aging into a cheeky rock anthem that makes getting older sound like a hell of a good time. Last Bird out of Saigon might be the most personal out of all tracks, with its vivid lyricism about memories of surviving war and the battlefield. While Standing in the Shadow wraps the EP with a reflective, thought-provoking tale of temptation and guilt.
Despite the range in its themes, there’s appeal in its willingness to get a little messy. A man with a background like Cole could easily brag about triumphs or clean resolutions, but King of Cool offers room for regret, uncomfortable pasts, and a sharp humor to keep you listening.
These days, it can be easy to find a song that sounds good on the first listen, but finding one with a story that holds your attention is another matter. Cole brings a little of both, if you ever need noise to tap your feet or something to chew on when you start to lean in a little closer. All in all, if you’re after rock and roll with personality and songwriting with something to say, King of Cool is one hell of a pick.
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