At only 23 years old, lead singer Al Spx has a soulful and experienced voice complemented by her talented six-piece band. Cold Specks’s "doom-soul" style is timeless and raw, offering a sense of peacefulness and meditation for listeners.
Filled with tales of redemption, prayer, faith, and loss, Al Spx’s songs are delivered with an earthy, gospel-like power. She resembles the superstars of her style, such as Mahalia Jackson and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and is inspired by legends Bill Callahan and Tom Waits. The Guardian’s Charlotte Richardson Andrews says that Cold Specks “lifts those bedroom folk numbers to bolder, less lo-fi spirituals, amplifying skeleton-bare fingerpicking with piano, cello and a delicate reverb that speaks of echoing church halls and ascending prayers.”
“I’m very excited to be playing such a unique, wonderful venue,” said Spx. “I’ll be bringing six talented musicians with me—you can expect woodwinds courtesy of Chris Cundy, shimmery guitars, piano, bass, and drums courtesy of Rob Ellis. Oh, and a whole lot of singing.”
In May 2012, Cold Specks released its debut album, I Predict a Graceful Expulsion (Mute Records, 2012). Watch the video "Blank Maps" from the album.
Saturday Nights at the Getty: Cold Specks Date: Saturday, November 17, 2012 Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: Harold M. Williams Auditorium, Getty Center Admission: Free; reservations required. Call (310) 440-7300 or visit www.getty.edu. Parking is $10 after 5 p.m.