Colt 45
We were recently contacted about three piece pop/rock/punk band Colt 45, to see what we thought. The band have already achieved a hell of a lot since setting out, having recorded their debut EP with Romesh Dodangoda, played Radio 1’s Big Weekend and toured with the likes of Young Guns, The Computers, Futureheads and Gallows –which isn’t doing too badly is it?! We were sent through a copy of their debut EP, Chasing Yesterday, to check out before they release their next EP later this year – as such I thought we’d better see for ourselves what was going on!
Opening with title track, Chasing Yesterday, it’s immediately clear why these guys are getting the sort of acknowledgement they are, their sound is fresh, exciting and new from the off. The carefully crafted track allows each and every element of the band to be heard, the bass working well to back everything up whilst the different layers of guitar work all add to the mix powered up by the drumming. The most striking part of the track has to be the catchy chorus, following a stereotypical punk progression the vibe is one of good times and enjoyment, allowing you to listen and want to be involved throughout.
Second track Shit Happens hints at a heavier side to the band, moving away from the light hearted side of punk to the more raucous and heavy side, the part which I particularly like! The track still holds the catchy power of the first track yet this time seems to power it up, adding in a further element of aggression and raw power to things, adding something new to the already solid sounding EP. As if to contrast things further, In These Dreams (I’ll Live & Die) adds a whole new dimension to things, sounding almost like a hybrid of The Cure or similar with the acoustic guitar line and soaring vocals which begin things before throwing us once more into a catch chorus. Powerful and catchy throughout, this is the sort of track which is going to be well received on a live stage, it’s got the power but the melody as well to keep everyone involved and wanting to hear more. Personally, I think this is my favourite track from the EP, there’s just something about it which stands out to me!
These Unspoken Arguments moves us back to the more raucous side of the bands music once again, taking us back to the pit and throwing out more energetic and catchy riffs for us to consider. This is another track which stands out as a serious high-point on the EP, demonstrating further the bands ability to craft tracks which combine hard and soft, take elements you’d expect and turn them into something new, something which you can’t help but want to hear more of! Final track Six Month In Chino leaves no doubt in my mind that this is going to be a band to keep an eye out for, once again harking back to the pop-punk side of things to craft a track designed to get live crowds involved. If you’re looking for a reason to listen to more of these guys then go to this track first, it’s an awesome mix of gravelly vocals, hammering guitar lines, rumbling bass and pounding drums – all rolled into a 3 minute track of awesomeness.
Colt 45 have shown me one crucial thing, that there’s still bands out there who are producing music because it’s what they want to do, not because they’ve been told they should. The music here is well pieced together and sounds professional throughout, always keeping a sense of melody running through things but also always keeping a sense of mystery as to what is going to come next. Personally, I can’t wait to get my little mits on the new EP when it’s done – great stuff!
To find out more about Colt 45, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls.
Check out their video to Chasing Yesterday from Radio 1’s Big Weekend below:
You can also download their EP FOR FREE from here: http://wearecolt45.bandcamp.com/
Opening with title track, Chasing Yesterday, it’s immediately clear why these guys are getting the sort of acknowledgement they are, their sound is fresh, exciting and new from the off. The carefully crafted track allows each and every element of the band to be heard, the bass working well to back everything up whilst the different layers of guitar work all add to the mix powered up by the drumming. The most striking part of the track has to be the catchy chorus, following a stereotypical punk progression the vibe is one of good times and enjoyment, allowing you to listen and want to be involved throughout.
Second track Shit Happens hints at a heavier side to the band, moving away from the light hearted side of punk to the more raucous and heavy side, the part which I particularly like! The track still holds the catchy power of the first track yet this time seems to power it up, adding in a further element of aggression and raw power to things, adding something new to the already solid sounding EP. As if to contrast things further, In These Dreams (I’ll Live & Die) adds a whole new dimension to things, sounding almost like a hybrid of The Cure or similar with the acoustic guitar line and soaring vocals which begin things before throwing us once more into a catch chorus. Powerful and catchy throughout, this is the sort of track which is going to be well received on a live stage, it’s got the power but the melody as well to keep everyone involved and wanting to hear more. Personally, I think this is my favourite track from the EP, there’s just something about it which stands out to me!
These Unspoken Arguments moves us back to the more raucous side of the bands music once again, taking us back to the pit and throwing out more energetic and catchy riffs for us to consider. This is another track which stands out as a serious high-point on the EP, demonstrating further the bands ability to craft tracks which combine hard and soft, take elements you’d expect and turn them into something new, something which you can’t help but want to hear more of! Final track Six Month In Chino leaves no doubt in my mind that this is going to be a band to keep an eye out for, once again harking back to the pop-punk side of things to craft a track designed to get live crowds involved. If you’re looking for a reason to listen to more of these guys then go to this track first, it’s an awesome mix of gravelly vocals, hammering guitar lines, rumbling bass and pounding drums – all rolled into a 3 minute track of awesomeness.
Colt 45 have shown me one crucial thing, that there’s still bands out there who are producing music because it’s what they want to do, not because they’ve been told they should. The music here is well pieced together and sounds professional throughout, always keeping a sense of melody running through things but also always keeping a sense of mystery as to what is going to come next. Personally, I can’t wait to get my little mits on the new EP when it’s done – great stuff!
To find out more about Colt 45, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls.
Check out their video to Chasing Yesterday from Radio 1’s Big Weekend below:
You can also download their EP FOR FREE from here: http://wearecolt45.bandcamp.com/