CLOR are a classic example of a band who sound utterly fascinating on paper. Their press releases burbles enthusiastically about a "rhythmic pulse" a la Can or Neu, and the "angularity" of early Talking Heads. This, when allied to the fact the band have built a sizeable following off their own backs in London, sold out their debut EP "Welcome Music Lovers" and have procured Alan Moulder (Ride, Boo Radleys, Smashing Pumpkins) to mix is more than enough to have this hack foaming at the mouth and screaming "gimme gimme now!"
But, typically, in practice, it just doesn't cut the Colmans. I mean "Love & Pain" is simply OK. It's perky, synth-addled pop featuring Barry Dobben's quirky vocals, it's fair share of radio-friendly hooks and lives up to the Devo comparison that also sneaks into the press release. But does it really amount to a hill of beans in a world where The Bravery are already diluting The Killers sound? Which, lest we forget - they largely owe to New Order anyway?
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The answer is, of course, no. "Love & Pain" is horribly average and makes it plain we don't want to go any further down the wimpy indie synth-pop route a second time. Please buck your ideas up or go away chaps.
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