“I’m at the end of my rope.”
Formed in 2017, Texas rock band Colorblind have established themselves in the modern alternative scene. Blending elements of pop, post-hardcore, and hip-hop, the self-labelled “dreamcore” band have a way with catchy melodies and interesting soundscapes. With their upcoming EP, Who Sold You This Truth, they continue to develop their sound further.
Initial single “Needle Eye” had already caught my attention with its wistfully catchy melodies. Vocalist Travis Moseley’s vocals have a nostalgic, 2010s scene quality to them that pairs intriguingly with the more modern, atmosphere-heavy soundscapes of the track. The guitar work from Justin Page may be rather subtle, but details such as the lead work throughout the track are not missed.
“Car Crash” mostly follows suit in this direction, with added trap and electronic elements that give the track an added layer of detail. Moseley‘s vocal melodies definitely take the forefront with Colorblind’s sound, and rightfully so given his effectiveness in crafting memorable hooks. That being said, the instrumentals do add a lot to his presence, providing a rich soundscape that creates a complete product. Later cut “Neversleep” also incorporates some of these beats, with its dark pop and synth-driven first verse transitioning into an airy, heavy ambiance on the chorus. These tracks may generally follow a similar trajectory, but they are well-crafted with the right mix of pop sensibilities and heavier edges that make them enjoyable and easy to listen to.
It’s with “Letdown” and “Misery Loves Company” that Colorblind pulls an interesting twist sonically. The former takes the familiar path of the previous tracks with straightforward, yet catchy melodies. Drummer Tyler Moseley brings a set of grooves that keep the momentum of the track going at a steady pace. The track twists rather sharply into a low-tuned, punchy breakdown that surprisingly fits the track. Although it could have lasted a bit longer, it’s impressive how well it’s pulled off.
“Misery Loves Company” takes this a step further with a darker, more post-hardcore-leaning sound. Moseley takes on harsher vocals with gritty belting throughout the track, adding to its impact. He also displays low screams before and during the breakdown, and while used sparingly, they are a surprising contrast to his usual vocals and the generally more accessible sound the band goes for. The breakdown in itself is a highlight, exploding into a deafening wall of sound that chaotically brings the track to its sonic climax. Laced with glitchy vocal effects, it’s genuinely surprising that they push it this heavy, given their established sound.
Closer “God Complex” is a well-balanced mix of all the elements on display throughout the EP. Moseley once again takes on a grittier vocal style, particularly on the chorus. There’s a darker, more somber ambience on display on the track, which helps to give it a grand, final track feel. Hypnotic electronic effects on the chorus are an intriguing detail. The track’s breakdown takes cues from “Letdown” and “Misery Loves Company”, landing with a satisfying hit. Moseley lets out some full-bodied screams at the end, which, while they could have been used more throughout the EP, are still appropriate for an impactful send-off. His vocals are intermittently distorted with autotune effects, which is an interesting choice. I’m mixed on the use of these effects, but they also don’t take away too much from the experience.
It’s clear that Colorblind’s direction and strengths lie in a more accessible sound, but with Who Sold You This Truth, there is a surprising amount of commitment to experimentation even within these confines. From the consistency of the soundscapes to the heavier moments that command a presence without overstaying their welcome, Colorblind have crafted a sound that is truly their niche. Moving forward, it would be interesting to see them push further with the heavier aspects of their sound and truly push the boundaries of what they’re capable of. As it stands, though, Who Sold You This Truth is some of their best work to date and a glimpse into a promising future for the band.
8/10
Who Sold You This Truth releases on the 12th of September through Solid State Records and Tooth & Nail Records. Pre-order and merch links for the EP can be found here.