Having long lived in the shadows of Rise Records’ more prestigious acts, Illnois’ The Color Morale have never really been given the opportunity to impress. Now under the wings of Fearless Records, they’re still in big company, but it already feels as if Hold On Pain Ends – the band’s fourth studio album, but first on Fearless – will be given the attention it deserves. The change up top hasn’t altered their sound or their message, as these 12 new songs are almost an extension of 2013’s Know Hope, and that puts them in good stead as they begin their journey as one of the bigger players on the roster.
Album openers ‘Damnaged’ and ‘Outer Demons’ are enlightening and empowering, yet as unrelenting, musically, as ever before. The first part of the record is packed with their signature breed of metalcore, and only the radio-friendly ‘Scar Issue’ offers time for a breather before they plough through the other half. Cuts like ‘Is Happiness A Mediocre Sin’ and ‘Throw Your Roses’ are milder, but they don’t divert far enough away to set an unwanted precedent for future releases.
As tribute to the late Robin Williams, mental illness, and suicide in particular, has never been a more prominent topic within the media, so in some ways, this album has joined the debate at just the right time. The theme emerges again and again, in almost every track, and on the whole feels heartfelt and genuine. Perhaps the only criticism comes when they introduce guest vocalists. Calling on We Came As Romans’ Dave Stephens and Craig Owen of Chiodos on ‘Suicide;Stigma’ and ‘Developing Negative’, respectively, disguises these particular tracks as celebrity-endorsed campaigns rather than a united call out to those in need, and that’s not the tagline they would have aimed for.
The Color Morale are more than just a band with a message, though, and their choice of lyrical themes must not dilute the fact that they continue to release inventive, distinctive records. They are musicians after all. But if they can provide inspiration, all the better.
