The first of a concept-based 2 EP release, Somnium is a potent and passionate release from a band who after many years of making good impressions, has seemingly come to that point where impressions have become strong recognition. The five track release from UK rock/pop band Through Colour is a striking and accomplished introduction, though also one which only fleetingly ignites real fire in the passions for its undoubted impressive songwriting and excellent delivery. There is very little to hold up against the release, if anything at all but there is just a lack of that extra spark to make a lingering heart erupting declaration.
Nevertheless Somnium is a formidable release from a band which formed in 2004 in North Wales. Initially called My Turn To Kill until 2009 when they felt a change was needed to suit their style and evolution of sound, Through Colour next released the well-received debut mini album, Dream In Black And White which was recorded with Romesh Dodangoda. Its success and shows alongside the likes of Enter Shikari, Fightstar, We Are The Ocean, and The Misfits only added to the stock of the band. Then in 2011 the Manchester based quintet took a break to work on new songs but now the line-up of vocalist Steve White, guitarists Lee Crimes and Jazzy Bones, bassist Kieran Joyce, and drummer Shaun Humphreys return with Somnium, a release sure to bring further stature and awareness to their potent sound and songwriting.
Opener Daydream immediately takes attention by the hand and carries it and emotions on a vibrant dance of heart bred adventure and
melodic colour. Instantly pleasing with a fresh breath which is coated in the kind of anthemic lure which is impossible to ignore let alone resist, the song thrusts jangly riffs and strong vocals through the ear from its opening second. The temptation is elevated with the fiery chorus and subsequent almost teasing twist before the verse, the rhythmic juggling especially impressive within the strong wind of sonic expertise and lingering hooks. The track makes a stirring start and remains the major pinnacle of the release despite the valiant efforts of the other songs. Lyrically it has a passion to match the vocals and music, all combining for an infectiously memorable and deeply satisfying entrance into the EP.
The following Lost takes a gentler caress to the ear to open its account, the excellent vocal style and tone of White again a compelling inducement. Into its stride the tugging on the emotions is brought on a more restrained gait compared to its predecessor but one with plenty of sinew sculpted energy and eagerness whilst the rhythms of Humphreys cast a muscular and pleasing frame to the guitar scythes and melodic persuasion. A slow burner of a song in many ways it is a good confirmation of the promise oozing from the opener if without finding the heights of the first song.
Both Ink and Broken hold a seemingly personal aspect, certainly taking the potency and strength of the emotive tone on White’s delivery, and feel linked, not as a two part offering but in tone and emotion. The first is an absorbing encounter, the keys and vocal harmonies delicious hues to the provocative canvas of the track though there are elements which sound too familiar for comfort but from an unrecognisable source to be fair. It makes for a song which ebbs and flows in the passions though like the previous track it is one which makes a stronger call and suasion the more you share its colourful flight. The second of the two tantalises with riveting rhythms and again the excellent harmonies the band bring to their songs so skilfully and effectively. Once more it is a song which at times is pure scintillating mesmerism and in other moments finding things to annoyingly feed expectations. Nevertheless it is an excellent track which like the rest shower the ear and thoughts with a wave of promise and adventure which makes the future of the band one to anticipate hungrily.
The closing Till The End is the weakest on the release but yet again has plenty to feed an awoken appetite for the band. The orchestral embrace of the song makes for a dramatic but thoughtful presence whilst the evocative wash of the song is a magnetic caress but ultimately the track in comparisons to the rest of the EP is lacking the trigger to bring the imagination and emotions to the boil.
Somnium is a fine collection of songs though and a companion which leaves a healthy intrigue and intent towards its forthcoming companion EP. Through Colour has the craft and sound to make big waves in UK rock pop, they just need that final fuse or trigger to make it a long term enthralling one.
http://www.through-colour.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ThroughColour
8/10
RingMaster 30/09/2013
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