Freezing Cold has a penchant for diving into the familiar, relatable moments of being alive. On their sophomore release, Treasure Pool, the indie rock three-piece from New York explores these moments with a musical curiosity that sets this album apart from previous recordings, examining the effects of time on our hearts and minds.
The band was co-founded in 2017 by seasoned indie-punk musicians Angie Boylan (touring/session drummer in Sleater-Kinney, Aye Nako, Cheeky) on drums and Jeff Cunningham (Bridge & Tunnel, Ordinary Lives) on guitar and vocals, both of whom grew up playing in bands on Long Island and became friends through the DIY punk scene in the early aughts.
Freezing Cold released the three-song Demo 2017 followed by their debut album, Glimmer, in 2019. Shortly after, Leanne Butkovic replaced the band’s previous bassist—an exciting addition, as Butkovic brought a new perspective and energy to the band, including fresh suggestions for vocal harmonies, an ear for masterfully placing effects, and new ideas outside of Freezing Cold’s previous musical tendencies.
The band took their time making Treasure Pool, writing songs collaboratively (aside from the lyrics, penned by Cunningham) and mapping them out on a whiteboard in their practice space. They tracked the 10 songs over two years and in three separate sessions at Lakehouse Recording Studios in Asbury Park, NY with friends Eric Bennett and Marissa Paternoster (Screaming Females). Inspired by ’90s alternative and indie sounds along with their own curiosities, Freezing Cold challenges classic “rock radio” structure while also embracing it on Treasure Pool, using textures and layers of catchy guitar, airy keys and synths, contagious rhythm, ethereal three-part harmonies, woodwinds, and poignant lyrics.
Treasure Pool as an album title was inspired by a trip to the Oregon Coast where Boylan saw the tide pools appear at dusk, revealing unique habitats brimming with life. The world Freezing Cold has created in Treasure Pool is a collection of masterfully written rock songs about getting older, finding new ways forward, and staying curious. It gives life to the comfort and tension of knowing exactly where you are at.
