‘…it is difficult to pinpoint a precise box to place Colourwash in, and their appreciation for an air of mystique suggests that is just how they like it…’
An enigmatic outfit through and through, Colourwash are a three-piece that give little away. Describing themselves only as ‘Liverpool alternative’, the band have been cropping up on emo and punk listings for several months now, supporting the likes of Tummyache, The Velvet Hands, and alright (okay). Ahead of a free headline show at the Cavern venue, the band have finally unleashed their debut single.
Straddling the junction between ethereal and claustrophobic, ‘Frogman’ is a pulverising, nauseating roller-coaster of an experience to behold. Crushing, distorted riffs thrash about atop of cruising grooves, circling the listener in an immense, hypnotic death spiral. Bringing together elements of grunge, shoegaze, emo, and just the softest sprinkle of hardcore, the trio ultimately sound immense in their scale.
The percussion hammers out absolutely relentless rhythms that wouldn’t go amiss on a Title Fight track, whilst the vocals operate in a marvellously disjointed and disconcerting manner. Melodies are merely suggested and rhythms are only partially adhered to, capturing an intensely anxious feeling; a tightening and frightening sensation of realising you have dived too deep, spearheaded by self-destructive streak that demands only further descent into the abyss.
‘Frogman‘ heralds the beginning of a very promising outfit, utilising a blend of genres that is expertly composed; it is difficult to pinpoint a precise box to place Colourwash in, and their appreciation for an air of mystique suggests that is just how they like it. “Alternative” could refer to Deftones as much as it could Nirvana; Colourwash will appeal to you regardless of where along the alternative spectrum you sit.
For Fans Of: TNL VZN, Title Fight, Nirvana, Turnstile, Split Chain
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