Cold Specks review – dark soul that's as frustrating as it is beguiling
Canadian Al Spx's second album was a big step forward from her 'doom soul' debut, but her live show still seems to be in transition, writes Betty Clarke
August 2014
Five albums to try this week: Basement Jaxx, Ty Segall and more
From Opeth’s expressive metal to Rustie’s hyperactive electronica, here are five new releases to consider this week
Neuroplasticity review – more mood music from Cold Specks
Al Spx upgrades the goth-soul sound but still hasn't really got around to writing a song, notes Kitty Empire
Cold Specks: Neuroplasticity review – a forward-thinking yet nightmarish noise
Cold Specks's Al Spx could do with finding some melodies as memorable as the music that's behind them, writes Tim Jonze
July 2012
Polaris music prize 2012: Drake and Grimes among nominees
Canada's equivalent of the Mercury prize also includes Feist, Cold Specks and Japandroids among others
June 2012
How I wrote ...
Cold Specks: Blank Maps live session - video
Canadian musician Al Spx, of the band Cold Specks, visits the Guardian studio to share a live solo version of her single Blank Maps
May 2012
Cold Specks: I Predict a Graceful Expulsion – review
Al Spx has excited fans with her intriguing strangeness, but some edge is lost in her debut album's elegant production, writes Kitty Empire
Cold Specks: I Predict a Graceful Expulsion – review
Cold Specks' funereal blues doesn't quite reach the transendence it strives for, writes Rebecca Nicholson
Music blog
Cold Specks – I Predict a Graceful Expulsion: exclusive album stream
Be among the first to hear Cold Specks's debut album, I Predict a Graceful Expulsion, and tell us what you think in the comments
March 2012
Willis Earl Beal & Cold Specks: the new new old things
Alan Lomax would be proud, but the authentic, bluesy, harsh sounds of two new young songwriters are also providing modern twists on old classics
January 2012
Critics' pop picks 2012
Al Spx of Cold Specks talks to Rebecca Nicholson – video
2012 the year ahead
Our music tips for 2012: Spector, Noah Stewart and Cold Specks
November 2011
First sight
First sight: Cold Specks
With a voice that makes her sound older than her 23 years, Canadian singer Cold Specks trades in haunting, hymnal 'doom soul', writes Charlotte Richardson Andrews
October 2011
New band of the week
Cold Specks (No 1,121)
This Canadian blues wailer should appeal to retro maniacs and period fetishists, but can she actually write a decent song?
June 2011
New music
New music: Cold Specks – Holland
Michael Cragg: This Canadian singer captivates with her brand of 'doom soul'
