The evolution and metamorphosis of a band or artist is an inevitable thing. Particularly with those to whom creativity seems to flow like a raging river and who’s veins are filled flush with soul and vibe.

Cold Chocolate is one of those bands. Over the years the adapting and growth of the self described “genre bending Americana band” has seen waves of straight acoustic, firey bluegrass, jam infused rock and even a folkier side. But today we get a different vibe. An electric pulse (literally and figuratively) that overtakes you and, quite bluntly, forces your ass to move to the groove. Currently consisting of Ethan Robbins on guitar and vocals and Ariel Berstein on percussion and vocals, the band often has a revolving cast of others in supporting rolls, but this latest track features the two, stripped down, facing one another and letting the emotion seep out in its purest form.

Of this new live track Robbins tells us, “We wrote “Down the Line” about a yearning to learn from one’s mistakes, even when unsuccessful.  The line in the chorus says, “My history needs to stick me/ as a road map, a guide./  Stay with me on down the line.”  I think we can all relate to this idea, that our past is accompanying us on our paths into the future.  It definitely resonates with our personal journey as a band.” 

There is something incredibly refreshing about two musicians performing in duo format, even more so in a line up with drums and guitar. The push and pull. The pulse gap that the drums need to fill where the bass would normally bolster up the flow. The need for interesting guitar patterns and lines that fill the air between words. Ethan Robbins and Ariel Bernstein have no issue filling those spaces with interesting and moving parts. There is a groove, there is a flow, there is a feel the way in which these two pour forth the music. The live element only further adds to that feel and the honesty of a performance, a fleeting moment in time. 

Robbins continued, “We recorded this video at Great North Sound Studios in Parsonsfield, ME as part an upcoming project, as we’ve realized that the energy we give this song in a live setting really adds a new dimension to the overall vibe, and we’re hopeful that that punchiness comes across.”

Sit back and let the waves take you in friends…