Swindon-based teenagers Colour The Atlas aren't that picky when it comes to pinpointing a particular sound and sticking with it. The mix of styles on this EP can be handily summed up by a quick read of the section of their Facebook page marked "Influences:". It's a mixture of the good, the bad and the ugly, with Massive Attack listed alongside nondescript singer-songwriters like Ben Howard and Damien Rice. Needless to say, it's when they aim for the bland acoustics and polished finish of that variety that this EP becomes little more than muzak. They incorporate 90s soul into 'Satellites' and, as expected, it's a sound that hasn't really stood the test of time.
On the plus side, they sound like accomplished musicians and could probably try their hand at most things. There's an air of innovation hovering around these songs but it's rarely allowed to become fully involved which is a shame because they seem like a capable bunch. There's no denying that 'Snow' is a good tune and it's here that they allow themselves to push the boundaries a bit more. If this is an indication of what's to come then it'll be worth seeing how Colour The Atlas develop. With any luck they'll add more colour and variety and stop polishing away the rough edges that mean some parts of the EP rather lacking in flavour. Promising in places but a bit smooth in others.
Colour The Atlas' website
Buy the EP
Catch them live:
Nov 19th Oxford, Truck Records (in-store)
Nov 21st London, Water Rats
Nov 22nd Brighton, The Hope (Communion Records night)
Nov 23rd Truro, B-Side (Communion Records night)
Nov 25th Bristol, Louisiana
Nov 27th Glasgow King Tuts
Nov 28th Newcastle, Head Of Steam
Nov 30th Manchester, Deaf Institute
For more news, reviews and downloads follow The Sound Of Confusion on Facebook or Twitter
soundofconfusion@hotmail.co.uk
No comments:
Post a Comment