Coheed and Cambria have carved out a pretty damn unique niche across their two decades of existence, defying easy genre classification and producing some brilliantly quirky music along the way. This album adds further to the band’s aura and legacy.
They’ve been very prolific since the release of their first long player in 2002, and The Color Before the Sun makes it eight quality albums in 13 years. Somewhat remarkably, this is their first album that isn’t a concept piece. On this occasion, they have simply written and recorded a bunch of excellent tunes, completely unrelated to each other. Although their concept records are highly interesting and engaging, operating outside of such constraints, they have loosened up and produced a cracker.
Concept aside, all the rest of the band’s unique attributes remain present, including frontman Claudio Sanchez’s instantly recognisable voice, their buoyant sonic vibe, and the willingness to inject hyper-charged pop into their progressive rock sound – a detail that expands their appeal immensely.
The album hits a slight snag with Young Love, which sounds like a ‘90s grunge leftover and never really attains any great heights. But the record roars back to life with the excellent first single You Got Spirit, Kid.
Coheed and Cambria just keep producing accessible progressive rock, and The Colour Before the Sun is a must for existing and new fans alike.
BY ROD WHITFIELD
