‘The Black Sky Sequined’
Colorway (self-released)
3.5 stars out of 5
If straight-forward, guitar-driven rock is your ting, I’d suggest you give “The Black Sky Sequined” a handful of spins. It’s the sophomore full-length from Massachusetts trio Colorway and provides a nice blend of driving riffs and hook-filled melodies.
Colorway released their self-titled debut in 2012 and are fronted by F. Alex Johnson, who cut his teeth in alt-country outfit Drunk Stuntmen and senior citizen sensation Young@Heart. He’s joined in the band by bassist Dave Hayes and drummer J.J. O’Connell, and Colorway’s lead single “Come Back July” is a terrific introduction to the band and the album.
“I love the summer as any New Englander would,” Johnson says of “Come Back July.” “But you know what comes after August? The fall. And with it comes the cold, things start to die, and then it all goes straight to hell. I wanted to write a love song to the time of year when my little slice of the world feels the most alive.”
Additional standouts on the 10-track, 45-minute platter include “I Don’t Want to Go Home,” “Me and My Baby,” “Tiny Town,” “Everybody Wants Me to Love You” and sprawling set closer “Telephone.” Do yourself a favor and track down a copy of “The Black Sky Sequined.” You won’t regret it. (Jeffrey Sisk)