9

Acoustic Folk-Rock

If you're looking for some respite from the onslaught of crap electro bands this summer, and, let's face it, there are quite a few at the moment, you may want to check out Colour of Sound. These boys produce music that is a far cry from the fuzzed up squeals of contemporary electronic music, focusing as heavily on melody and rhythm as they do on lovelorn lyrics. Formed by four London-based singer-songwriters, their new single 'Open Room' is definitive proof that having too many cooks doesn't always spoil the broth.

A lazily strummed acoustic guitar introduces the song, as lead singer Rod da Rosa, (with a name like that, musical stardom or a career in porn surely beckons), croons the opening lines in a lachrymose tone that is sure to strike a chord in all of the broken hearted listeners, of which there will be quite a few, this being acoustic indie-rock and all. A chiming guitar punctuates the chord structure in a formulaic but pleasant manner, before the full band launch into a soaring chorus with the rabble-raising cry of, "Come on into my open room, be yourself, be someone new." By the end of the song, you will surely be tapping your foot to the catchy refrain, as the familiar song structure captures your attention, adding new levels of harmony and melody by the final chorus.

Colour of Sound are unlikely to be headlining the 'youth tents' of any of the festivals this year, what with those slots being taken by whichever Camden duo who have demonstrated their musical talent the most, through diligently symmetrical haircuts and the persistent tearing of their clothes. However, with the strength of songwriting that is demonstrated on 'Open Room', they are unlikely to be forgotten by the time next summer rolls around.