Sibling duo Cold Court releases debut EP with genre mashup

Cold Court is a brother-sister duo from Philly that seems to love shoving all their influences together in a messy soup that superficially resembles hyperpop from acts like 100 Gecs. However, unlike songs like “Dumbest Girl Alive” that wink at pop punk and emo, Cold Court are more self-serious, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

The opening track on their debut EP “(^_^)/” (aka “Hands Up”), “Nina”, starts like dance punk bands from the mid-2000s like Franz Ferdinand or Test Icicles. But a minute in, the skuzzy riff gets chopped up and fed through a beat repeater. Another minute later, there's a mellow proggy bridge reminiscent of Mars Volta. The song ends on a barrage of glitches and digital chaos.

The record largely continues in this fashion. Songs on “Hands Up” clearly began on drums and guitar, but Mini and Jojo fed their creations to a computer, added layers, rearranged parts, and piled on effects. Single “Burn” is perhaps the best example of the parts coming together: big rock riffs, Daft Punk-esque synths, dubstep chops, autotuned vocals, and a rapped bridge. Yet it feels cohesive as they shout, “I just want to see it burn, give a fuck about your word.”

While Cold Court is an exercise in maximalism, not every song goes as big as “Burn.” “Cola” moves slower, strips back layers, but doesn't turn down the volume. “Glass” almost becomes math rock, and closer “Light” is blown-out, sparkly prog.

Over a full album, the relentless barrage might grow exhausting, but at just 21 minutes, “Hands Up” doesn't overstay its welcome. It will be interesting to see how the duo evolves.

Cold Court's “(^_^)/” is available on major streaming platforms including Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music, Qobuz, and Deezer.