Some claim diversity to be a strength whilst others claim it to be a weakness, however the diversity in sound that emerges from The Colten’s new EP Borderline Chaos (released on the 2nd of May) is undeniably a critical feature in what makes this release stand out. With influences ranging from the likes of Kasabian, Fontaines D.C. and the infamous Radiohead, The Coltens have well and truly forecast their musical potential to the scene as they combine these elements to really rock your world.
Mixed and mastered by Luke Owens at Dusk Till Dawn studios, “Change” is the opening track which softly slides you in towards the heavy and almost orchestral chorus. This is abruptly cut down to a much lighter verse again proving to be an effective contrast as piercing vocals echo throughout. The bridge also has clear elements of Radiohead’s album “The Bends” as darker elements seep through with sudden pauses and a slow build back in, to round off a solid opening track bustling with musical flicks and tricks.
The acoustic track “Brand New Day” is what follows with its sweet melodic riffs being what really carries the track forward. It’s upbeat and doesn’t try to overcomplicate itself, emphasising the skill the band clearly has in the “diversity in sound” as previously mentioned. This is then proceeded by one of the albums standouts “Sunkissed” which exudes the swagger and aggression seen in Indie-Rock giants such as Kasabian. The guitars are undoubtably what carries the majority of this track yet I also think that the melody is well woven into the song which climaxes with a hard hitting guitar solo that I think if anything should’ve been a bit longer.
However, I think that “Sunkissed” is topped by what I would have as my favourite track of the EP, “I Wanna Know”. The drums are steadily driven and act as the backbone amidst the airy guitar and thought provoking lyrics, with this overall creating what is a really impressive track that acts as an easy and enjoyable listening experience. Again, it shows the band being able to use different skills across the sound that ultimately forms what is The Coltens.
“The Borderline” and “Breathe In Air” are the two ending tracks which both go out with a bang, with perhaps the predecessor feeling slightly more mature with the interwoven acoustic elements throughout. Both choruses carry their own individual weight, especially with “The Borderline” which contains tremendous energy whilst “Breathe In Air” opts to build throughout the song. Both these are definitely solid tracks with their own individual perks to shout about as they embody the Rock and Roll side of The Coltens.
Overall, this EP definitely exceeded my expectations, with “I Wanna Know” and “Sunkissed” being the two standouts for me. The group have clearly shown that they really aren’t just another indie band as their range of influences collide to formulate their “Coltens” sound, tied together by the lead singer Harrison Lord. It will be interesting to see how this EP shapes the future for the band, but they have definitely set their standards high.
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One response to “THE COLTENS – “BORDERLINE CHAOS” EP REVIEW”
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I’ve known these lads some years now and from the first time I heard them play together and talk about the nature of the music they’d been listening to ( and ,by the way , that they are continuously discovering and sharing , and therefore evolving as a band should ) I have always thought the myriad of influences that their music evokes is almost shocking in its breadth and scale , and the interviewer is absolutely right to pick up on the sheer diversity of their sound!
I have no doubt these lads could play so many styles and genres if they only wanted to do that , and their horizons were in any way limited but their energy and influences are such that they aren’t constrained by trying to force a common denominator of sound and style…they’re buzzing with potential and I for one am really excited to see where they go next!
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