Album: Colorwheel
Artist: The April Fools
Genre(s): Alt/Country/Americana/Rock/British Pop
Colorwheel is an album that covers a wide array of genres in a well-packaged offering, in many ways serving as a homage to the respected bands of the previous era. It reminds you of The Beatles, Gun N’ Roses, and The Jawhawks, all put together.
| Track | Rating |
| 1. Calling The Kettle Black | 3.5 out of 5 stars |
| 2. She Belongs To Me | 4 out of 5 stars |
| 3. Warm Weather Dream | 4 out of 5 stars |
| 4. Black is Black | 3 out of 5 stars |
| 5. Personal Sin | 3.5 out of 5 stars |
| 6. The Words To Sing | 3 out of 5 stars |
| 7. Give It Up And Let It Go | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
| 8. Sixteen Tons | 4 out of 5 stars |
| 9. Colorwheel | 4 out of 5 stars |
| 10. Around Here | 4 out of 5 stars |
1. Calling The Kettle Black
This track opens in a retro-funk style, and sounds uber-cool as it proceeds. With the guitars perfectly in conjunction with each other, this one sets the album off to a heady start.
2. She Belongs To Me
Bearing a Country sound, She Belongs To Me has mellifluous harmonies and a pleasing chorus. Reminiscent of The Beatles, it makes for a delightful listen.
3. Warm Weather Dream
The Country vibe stretches into Warm Weather Dream. Your ears are once again treated to a melange of some beautiful guitar work and riffs.
4. Black is Black
With a bustling bassline, Black is Black shifts to an Americana-Rock mood. With organs at play, this one’s the “failed-love” track of the album.
5. Personal Sin
Personal Sin is a Blues-Country number that flows freely along, without restraint. Featuring an equally flowing solo, this one’s a track that invites you to follow along.
6. The Words To Sing
The Words To Sing is a rock song with many interesting melodies and sections. Bearing epic ballad touches, the sound is distinctly 80s-90s.
7. Give It Up And Let It Go
Starting with a big-band sound, Give It Up And Let It Go sounds like a homage to the sweet 60s. Carefree and liberating, this track adds class and variety to the album.
8. Sixteen Tons
Keeping up the jazz, this one’s a snazzy track that sounds right out of a Bond movie. With a dynamic solo, Sixteen Tons sees The April Fools in fine form.
9. Colorwheel
Coming back to rock, the song sounds vaguely nostalgic and very much Brit-Pop. Exuberant and filled with youth, Colorwheel represents the roaring vibrancy of adolescence.
10. Around Here
Around Here reminds one of yet another great yesteryear track, with its glorious violin and empathetic songwriting.
Verdict: Colorwheel stands true its name, bringing back the sound of the glory days, and doing it in style.
Picks of the album: Give It Up and Let It Go, She Belongs To Me
Rating: 7.5 out of 10 stars
