That precious feeling when you’ve been following an artist or band from their very first record, progressing over the past year, releasing new material and conquering live shows; that has been the case with Swindon’s alternative four-piece Colour The Atlas. After the short break, Jess, Andy, Alex and Stefan are back with their brand new EP Opaline and with it a new era of music.
Opaline is certainly not rushed, the group returning back to their hometown over the months to work on new material and it has indeed paid off, what we have here is a music that truly transcends above the norm, moving on from their older acoustic sound to a more mature and experimental approach – submerging into the growing genre of Trip Hop, music with no boundaries allowing it to flourish in multiple elements.
We recently reviewed the single That Sound, a leading beacon into Colour The Atlas’s new era, embracing the tranquil mixes of production, textured beautifully alongside Jesse’s infectious vocals. Come Alive is certainly upbeat, bongo drumming backdrop layered with shimmering electric guitar and Jesse’s harmonic thrums, the track further continues to progress with further rhythmic drumming and souring vocals, fusing both ambient electronica with tropical elements. Things continue to impress with How Many Times, an elevating piece as we explore further into the unique sounds of Trip Hop. Opaline truly shines through with the partnership of Jesse and Alex, their illuminating duets and thought-provoking songwriting are unmatched by anyone else; Look Inside Your Mind is a perfect harmonic and lyrical understanding, the core of Colour The Altas’s sound.
Colour The Atlas have really grown into their own, matured and with a sound that set’s them apart from everyone else. We are beginning to see a new era of music unfold and Colour The Atlas are firmly in pole position.
Verdict – 5/5
Opaline is available now on iTunes.
Review by Mustafa Mirreh
THE FLUX 
You must be logged in to post a comment.