Article One’s “Colors and Sounds”: A Review
GENRE: POP
LABEL: INPOP RECORDS
RELEASE DATE: MAY 27, 2008
RATING: 3 OUT OF 5
Nutshell Version:
Article One’s “Colors and Sounds” makes a big noise. Their sophomore release on Inpop Records builds on their previous work, showing signs of musical dexterity and lyrical maturity. I am not normally a fan of this kind of music, but I don’t mind this so much. It’s not a faultless offering, mind you, but it is certainly listenable.
Full Version:
Article One’s “Colors and Sounds” makes a big noise. Their sophomore release on Inpop Records builds on their previous work, showing signs of musical dexterity and lyrical maturity. I am not normally a fan of this kind of music, but I don’t mind this so much. It’s not a faultless offering, mind you, but it is certainly listenable.
Things kick into high gear with “Without You (I’m Not Alright)” and you’ll instantly become aware of what I mean by “makes a big noise.” Brimming with guitars, mandolins, violins, drum kicks, and what appears to be a horn section, the listener is welcomed into a cacophony of sound. Title track “Never Too Late To Call” is one of the stronger tracks on the album, the instruments and vocals synced perfectly. Additionally, lead singer Nathan Piche displays a nice range here, too. “Love You Tommorow” is a song that I can easily envisage being part of a movie soundtrack someday. Piche sings with a slightly British lilt, If fires burned through our lives and left us nothing/Took away all we made and had our hopes in/Whatever comes, if it be joy or sorrow/I promise you that I will love you tomorrow. Musically, I hated “Dare to Believe.” I felt it was a total stumble in comparison to the rest of their songs. It has a very hopeful chorus, but the delivery is rather lackluster. “Above All Else” is a splendid, worshipful number. The lyrics aim heavenward and hit their mark dead on. I would have liked to have heard more songs like this. In fact, if Article One were ever to choose a different genre, they could write worship songs for a new generation if they tried. The album closes out with a mellow instrumental piece titled “Peace, Til We Meet Again,” that fits just right. Having been so complimentary about the instrumentation on the album, it is an appropriate bookend.
The main flaw with the album is that the sound may be too big. Unless it was a slower tune, I had a difficulty making out the lyrics through the din. Sometimes, the instrumental presence is so strong that the listener will almost forget there was singing, too. This isn’t to say the vocals aren’t strong enough. It’s just that they seem to get lost in the fray. And, as this is not meant to be an instrumental album, this calls into question whether the artists have clearly communicated their message to anyone without liner notes in front of them. Basically, it’s best to listen to this album with the volume up only halfway.
Overall, “Colors and Sounds” is a solid attempt from Article One. Fans of their first album will likely be blown away by the evolution of the group. Newcomers should equally be impressed. It’s not for everyone, though. It’s has quite the polished studio sound, so fans of more independent and rawkish sounding music won’t appreciate it as much.
Track Listing
- Without You (I’m Not Alright)
- Colors and Sounds
- Searchlights
- Never Too Late To Call
- Set To Start (Fall For Love)
- If The World Gives Up
- Love You Tomorrow
- Dare To Believe
- Angels
- Above All Else
- Taken By The Storm
- Peace, Till We Meet Again
