Colour Of Fire - PearlNecklace

Wed 1st Dec, 2004 in Music Reviews

A fast, immediate rise to popularity, while certainly desired by any band, unfortunately is often ultimately a detriment to the band’s musical development. Scoring support slots for Placebo, Silverchair, The Libertines and The Bronx to name but a few, relatively unknown York based four-piece Colour Of Fire quickly garnered an enviable live reputation-all with having only released a single 4-track demo. Picked up by the same UK based agents who handle Franz Ferdinand, PJ Harvey and The Pixes, Colour Of Fire were thrust abruptly into the spotlight and as a result, their debut full-length release, Pearl Necklace may not be a strong as it could otherwise be.

The band’s aforementioned live reputation meant they were ostensibly particularly well received during their slot opening for Placebo in Europe of last year. Unfortunately, for the most part, Pearl Necklace is devoid of much of the live intensity and fervency that is said to have won over Placebo’s crowds. Perhaps some of this shortcoming can be attributed to the album’s producer. Pearl Necklace was recorded by famed producer Steve Osborne whose CV – while impressive with names such as Suede, Doves and U2 – hasn’t really included work with bands as heavy and formidable as Colour Of Fire.

This band don’t sit comfortably in any particularly musical genre. Frontman Owen Richard’s voice is far too harmonious to be associated with anything principally heavy yet the album is underpinned with a strong sense of angst and intensity, and will most likely appeal to those preferring the heavier side of rock. That said, most tracks on the record are coated in a sharp, glossy sheen and executed with a precision apt for radio. The sound is not dissimilar to that of The Lost Prophets, who arguably also fail to be adequately categorised, with this actually appearing to work in their favour to which their generous crowds at last year’s Big Day Out festivals will attest.

Slick, momentum-building verses and raucous choruses that dissipate gradually into melody appear to be Colour of Fire’s signature sound. The album’s quieter moments -such as that of Italics – demonstrates the admirable range and profound effect of Owen Richard’s vocals. Without belittling the record’s opening and concluding songs, Pearl Necklace’s strength unusually lies in its middle tracks.

With its unnerving patches of silence and adept use of light and shade, 9 Volter is one of the record’s stand-out tracks. The restrained drum solo that opens Images of You as well as the songs poignant piano and dark, pensive vocals could suggest a completely different direction the band may adopt with future material.

Pearl Necklace, while an accomplished debut, perhaps doesn’t quite live up to Colour of Fire’s live appeal. However, the album’s stronger moments are exceedingly promising and thus the band’s sophomore release will indeed be very interesting.