Colorwheel is an album that covers a wide array of genres in a well-packaged offering, in many ways serving as a homage to the respected bands of the previous era. It reminds you of The Beatles, Guns N’ Roses, and The Jayhawks, all put together.
1. Calling The Kettle Black (3.5 of 5 stars)
This track opens in a retro-funk style, and sounds uber-cool as it proceeds. With the guitars perfectly in conjunction with each other, this one sets the album off to a heady start.
2. She Belongs To Me (4 of 5 stars)
Bearing a Country sound, She Belongs To Me has mellifluous harmonies and a pleasing chorus. Reminiscent of The Beatles, it makes for a delightful listen.
3. Warm Weather Dream (4 of 5 stars)
The Country vibe stretches into Warm Weather Dream. Your ears are once again treated to a melange of some beautiful guitar work and riffs.
4. Black is Black (3 of 5 stars)
With a bustling bassline, Black is Black shifts to an Americana-Rock mood. With organs at play, this one’s the “failed-love” track of the album.
5. Personal Sin (3.5 of 5 stars)
Personal Sin is a Blues-Country number that flows freely along, without restraint. Featuring an equally flowing solo, this one’s a track that invites you to follow along.
6. The Words To Sing (3 of 5 stars)
The Words To Sing is a rock song with many interesting melodies and sections. Bearing epic ballad touches, the sound is distinctly 80s-90s.
7. Give It Up And Let It Go (4.5 of 5 stars)
Starting with a big-band sound, Give It Up And Let It Go sounds like a homage to the sweet 60s. Carefree and liberating, this track adds class and variety to the album.
8. Sixteen Tons (4 of 5 stars)
Keeping up the jazz, this one’s a snazzy track that sounds right out of a Bond movie. With a dynamic solo, Sixteen Tons sees The April Fools in fine form.
9. Colorwheel (4 of 5 stars)
Coming back to rock, the song sounds vaguely nostalgic and very much Brit-Pop. Exuberant and filled with youth, Colorwheel represents the roaring vibrancy of adolescence.
10. Around Here (4 of 5 stars)
Around Here reminds one of yet another great yesteryear track, with its glorious violin and empathetic songwriting.
Verdict: Colorwheel stands true its name, bringing back the sound of the glory days, and doing it in style.
Picks of the album: Give It Up and Let It Go, She Belongs To Me
Rating: 7.5 of 10 stars