(Artist Report)

Written by: Cody Denning  

James and the Cold Gun is a Cardiff-based rock band from South Wales, known for their raw, and cathartic sound. Often described as “South Wales’ loudest group,” the band blends elements of garage rock, indie, and alternative rock, drawing comparisons to bands like The Hives and Queens of the Stone Age. Their music is characterized by fast-paced, guitar-driven tracks with a mix of raw production and polished style, appealing to fans of a modern garage rock revival.

These guys formed as a duo in Cardiff, the band has since expanded into a quintet. The group is fronted by James Joseph, whose vocals and songwriting anchor their sound. While specific details about all members are not widely publicized, the band’s core ethos is built around simplicity and that old school rock n roll mind set, these guys are brilliant artist and A class performers with a focus on guitar-driven music to inspire others to play rock music.

James and the Cold Gun’s is rooted in garage rock sound, Their music combines the urgency of punk, the swagger of indie rock, along with the heaviness of alternative rock. Tracks like “All The Wrong Places” and “Headlights” showcase their fast-paced, no-frills approach, while their sophomore album Face in the Mirror demonstrates growth with a beefed-up production by Brendan O’Brien. Lyrically, their work often explores themes of relationships, personal dissatisfaction, and emotional catharsis, delivered with a sense of humor and relatability

The band has earned a reputation as road warriors, performing extensively and building a loyal fanbase. Their energetic live shows have helped them stand out in the UK rock scene. Their debut album received positive reviews for its raw and real sound. Face in the Mirror has been lauded as a major leap forward, with critics noting its exhilarating growth and tight production.

The band has been featured in outlets like Kerrang!, Punktastic, and Loudersound, with descriptions of their music as “indie trash tunes” and “cathartic rock.” They were named Cryptic Rock’s Developing Artist for May 2025. Their music resonates with audiences seeking nostalgic yet fresh rock, with comparisons to early 2000s garage rock revival bands. Their sophomore album is incredible. We at Soundwave believe this band is capable of evolving in the world of rock music.

With Face in the Mirror receiving strong reviews and their recent single “Guessing Games” generating buzz, James and the Cold Gun are poised for further growth. Their relentless touring and commitment to the music suggest they’ll continue to build their presence in the rock scene. Check out the bands website to keep up with them, also. James and the Cold Gun are very active on social media. That does it for this report. Check out this incredible band and we will keep you updated on anything we hear about them in the future. Support us at Soundwave by donating or buying a shirt! Thanks for reading!!

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