Cold Creeks is a three-piece band out of Nashville, Tennessee, formed in 2014. Predominantly indie rock, their songs are infused with notes of blues and lo-fi layered under folk-driven lyrics. This versatile sound carries the influences of Modest Mouse and Bright Eyes. Lead singer and guitarist Brandon Murphy is the man behind the words, largely inspired by songwriters Andy Hull and Elliot Smith and poet Charles Bukowski. Murphy offers his own religious criticism and social commentary coated with melting metaphors and powerful imagery. He is backed by bassist and cellist Caleb Jones and drummer Anthony Persinger.
When they aren’t hosting house shows out of their 1930’s Nashville farmhouse, Cold Creeks is writing new material to follow up their sophomore EP, Prequel. Prequel is the first in a series of concept EPs, alluding to a troubled family, inspired by front man Brandon Murphy’s own set of familial issues. Follow-up EPs will be based on specific characters within the aforementioned fictional family. Cold Creeks has also started a new venture called Treehouse Sessions, videos of acoustic sets performed in the magic of their own attic, featuring the golden vocals of Murphy.
Previously, Cold Creeks have had their music featured on Nashville’s Lightning 100 and on 102.9 The Buzz. They held their sophomore EP release show at Grimey’s New and Preloved Music. They were in the final four of Lightning 100’s Music City Mayhem, a competition to play Live on the Green, and participated in the final round at Marathon Music Works.
Music critic Joel Frieders from Syffal writes that Cold Creeks’ music is “eerily gorgeous” and like the “15 minutes between asleep and awake.” Andy Herrin from 102.9 The Buzz has been quoted saying Cold Creeks is one of his “new favorite bands in town… turn them up loud!” Cold Creeks’ music straddles the line between heavenly sounds and devilish thoughts. On Prequel, Murphy mysteriously croons, “Hey Mr. Blue Face, quit holding your breath/ I’ve got loads of secrets/ A ghost in my bed, she says.” The lyrics are simultaneously isolating while giving you a shoulder to cry on. Just imagine that moment when dipping your head underwater and everything is beautifully still- Cold Creeks can take you there.