By Jim Rowland
Back in the late 90s, British rock icons Mike Peters and Billy Duffy, then on hiatus from The Alarm and The Cult respectively, teamed up for the Coloursøund project, with their debut album being released to much acclaim in 1999. It’s an album that has stood the test of time, and now, just over 20 years later, they are back together for a follow up, simply titled ‘Coloursøund II’.
Recorded between the lockdowns at the Chapel Studio in Lincolnshire with bass player George Williams (who also produced the album) and Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros drummer Smiley making up the rhythm section, the mission statement was a simple one – to make a simple, direct rock record using the tried and tested formula of guitar, bass, drums and vocal. It’s safe to say that it’s mission accomplished too.
The likes of ‘Paradise (Free People)’ and ‘Lightning Strike’ burst out of the speakers with the rousing, heavy and big riffing intensity that is a trademark of the Billy Duffy sound. ‘Revelation’ adds to that the kind of anthemic chorus that is a speciality of Mike Peters, whilst ‘Addiction’ and ‘Actions’ are two real highlights, both mid-paced thumpers with huge catchy riffs.
‘Why’ and ‘Start A Fire’ take a more laid back, bluesy approach, and ‘Eye For An Eye’ is another big rock belter that conjures up a bit of a Zeppelin vibe. Perhaps the longer album closer ‘Mourning Call’ is the only one that does veer off from the straight ahead big rock approach, adding an atmospheric, electronic and hypnotic element into the mix, and closing the album in fine style.
It’s probably fair to say that ‘Coloursøund II’ is closer to The Cult than it is to The Alarm, but as with the first album, it has a character of its own, and will certainly appeal to those that liked the first album, as well as fans of both Peter’s and Duffy’s day job bands. ‘Coloursøund II’ is available in coloured vinyl, CD, stream and download formats, alongside a Coloursøund of reissues of the first album, with that album being made available as a download/stream for the first time a couple of months back.
- ‘Coloursøund II’ is released on Friday. You can get your copy HERE.
- Coloursøund premiere a 98-minute film, documenting the making of the album, at 8pm UK time tomorrow (Wednesday 14 July). Featuring studio recording sessions and interviews with both Billy Duffy and Mike Peters, tickets are available HERE.
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