Cold Water Flat | History of the Band

Grit and Groove: Cold Water Flat's Indie Rock Voyage in the 90s

Formation and Early Years

Cold Water Flat, an alternative rock band formed in 1990 in Amherst, Massachusetts as a trio comprising Paul Janovitz (vocals, guitar), Ted Silva (bass), and Paul Harding (drums). Formed at the University of Massachusetts, they carved a niche for themselves in Boston's vibrant music scene, akin to Buffalo Tom, led by Paul's brother Bill Janovitz.

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Musical Style and Evolution

Initially, Cold Water Flat's music was rooted in the alternative rock movement of the 1990s, reflecting a blend of alternative pop/rock and indie rock influences. Their style was marked by angst-laden lyrics and gritty guitar play, typical of the era's grunge-influenced sound.

Discography and Notable 90s Albums

• "Listen" (1993): The first album, "Listen," released in 1993, was a significant debut for the band. It saw its release in Europe under the Bitter Sweet label and in the United States under Sonic Bubblegum. The album was recorded and mixed at Fort Apache, a renowned studio in Cambridge, known for its role in the alternative rock movement. This setting provided a fitting backdrop for the band's creative process. The production of "Listen" was a collaborative effort between Paul Janovitz and Tim O'Heir, adding depth and texture to the album's sound. Contributing to the distinctiveness of the album were Bill Janovitz, who lent his skills on the slide and lead guitar, and George Lanides on guitar and acoustic bass. The visual aspects of the album, including its design and photography, were handled by John Egan and Theresa Kelliher, with additional contributions from Paul Janovitz himself​​​​​​.

• "Cold Water Flat" (1995): Their self-titled album, "Cold Water Flat," released in 1995, continued to showcase the band's evolution in the music scene. This album was recorded at the same Fort Apache studio in Cambridge, MA, which by then had become a hallmark of quality in the alternative music space. Embracing the pop/rock genre, the album leaned towards alternative pop/rock and alternative/indie rock styles, reflecting the band's versatility and adaptability within the broader spectrum of rock music​​.

Singles and Compilations

• "Roll Me Over / Count Out Your Space" (1990)

• "Lost and Lazy / Gingerbread House" (1992)

• "Magnetic North Pole" (1995)

Cold Water Flat also appeared on various artists' compilations, including "Alternative Releases - March 1995" and "Alternative Releases - June 1995".

Notable Performances and Tours

• 1993-1994 Performances: They performed at various venues like The Middle East - Downstairs and Upstairs in Cambridge, Massachusetts, sharing the bill with bands like Kustomized, Inhale Mary, Nemo, Kosjer D, and others. These performances reflect their active involvement in the local Massachusetts music scene.

• Jun 02, 1995, at Roseland Ballroom, New York: Cold Water Flat shared the stage with Juliana Hatfield and Jeff Buckley, showcasing their compatibility with other prominent artists of the alternative rock era.

• Apr 19, 1995, at Ogden Theatre, Denver, Colorado: Performing with Belly and Superchunk, indicating their integration into the alternative and indie rock circuits.

• Apr 11, 1995, at The Warehouse, Toronto, Canada: Another performance alongside Superchunk and Belly, this time in Toronto.

• Mar 1995, UK Tour: Embarking on a UK tour with Belly, Cold Water Flat performed in cities like London, Newcastle, Leeds, and Norwich.

• Feb 18, 1995, at Local 186, Boston, Massachusetts: A solo performance in their home turf, Boston, where they first gained a following.

Cold Water Flat's journey in the 90s represents a significant chapter in the history of alternative rock. Their albums, singles, and live performances, ranging from intimate local gigs to significant collaborative performances, demonstrate their adaptability and appeal within the alternative and indie rock spheres.