2023-09-06 07:00:16
(c) The Blackwhitecolorful
A quintet from Cologne is aiming for a really big hit. The Blackwhitecolorful shouldn’t be unknown by now. With their first album and two subsequent EPs, they turned out to be cross-border artists in progressive, artistic rock and metal realms. They also contributed the soundtrack to the ARD film “Family is a celebration – Taumal alarm”, with frontman Sascha even playing a supporting role. Now signed to Tonzone Records, they are presenting the third part of their ‘Navigators’ saga and are taking the plunge „Brace For Impact“ more than ever.
The ominous beginning of the album in the form of “Echoes” fits like a glove, or something like that. Step by step, you rise from subtly electronically supported neo-prog fanfares, sometimes soft, sometimes technically adept. Strong vocals and a thick, anthemic chorus immediately burn themselves into the memory, skilfully embedded moments of heaviness ensure entertainment. “Still Breathing” also understands the balance between restraint, catchiness and demand, it feels like it waves back and forth throughout, seems ready to go through the roof. The opening trio is decided by the antithesis, because “Beyond Mountains” puts the cart before the horse from behind, dispenses with vocals and instead offers a classic post-rock structure that is reminiscent of Mogwai or Collapse Under The Empire.
This second album is establishing itself more and more as a musical surprise package, and “No Route To Host” gets exactly to the point. Raging, foaming rage and brutal attacks introduce metal and hardcore concepts before the thing finds its way back to the big anthem… and finally everything is skillfully mixed together. In “Reset To Zero” electronics collide with subtle reduction; a slightly different zero setting with the very fine blade. The sheer force of “Apex” doesn’t let go either, just in a completely different way. Not for the last time, pleasant memories of early Lis Er Stille are awakened when prog, art and other, sometimes frothy madness come together in one high-flyer.
Patience is a virtue that must be present to enjoy this album. The Blackwhitecolorful pursue their very own vision, which is expressed not only on a lyrical, conceptual level. Musically, the event is also fascinating once you get involved with it. Between synthesizers, djent-like dulcimer riffs, prog fanfares and alternative to art rock hymns, this second album doesn’t make it easy. “Brace For Impact”, the title fits perfectly, because you have to be prepared for something here. It’s worth it, double or triple.
Rating: 8/10
Available from: September 8th, 2023
Available via: Tonzone Records (Soulfood Music)
Website: www.theblackwhitecolorful.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/theblackwhitecolorful
Category: Magazin, Reviews
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#Blackwhitecolorful #Brace #Impact
