Toronto-based “digital emo” band Spring Colours built a fierce grassroots following the old-fashioned way: loading in, playing loud, and winning over audiences one show at a time. They’ve recently released their debut album, The Courage Cloak, featuring ten genre-blending songs that explore the tension between the protective armour people build to navigate life and the vulnerability beneath it.
“It’s okay to be a ‘coward’,” says Spring Colours’ Lukas Lyjak. “The ‘Courage Cloak’ we put on is red and angry, a symbol of the patriarchal need to perform and to be seen, and hides the simple need for genuine connection we all have. It is that cloak that we explore across the album, and more than anything, are striving to shake off.”
The album kicks off with “In The Jaws Of Home” with impassioned vocals and an instrumental style reminiscent of early-2000s emo. The emotion is palpable, with intensity balancing beautifully with the melodies. “Bracelet Song” follows, with an infectiousness that will get listeners moving (and/or moshing, however the feeling takes you), with a melodic post-hardcore sound that can only be amazing live.
The lovely vocals of “Armour Trading” flow seamlessly into “Hobbyist,” where the heavy gritty vocals perfectly complement melodic vocals. From there, “I’ll Be A Moon To You” gives a different, boppier feel (and… is that a theremin I hear?), before the album shifts to a Sigur Rós meets The Postal Service sound with “A Brief Moment In The Great Pendulum”.
“Femur in the Dust (Who Told You There’s a Better Life)” is a personal favourite, blending ’90s alt-rock and indie-punk influences into a distinctly Pixies-esque sound. It’s packed with catchy guitar riffs and a chorus that will have you wanting to learn the lyrics before the song is even over. The dual vocals once again shine on “Ours Will Be a Lonely Battle,” while “I Saw A Spider” offers a mash-up of infinite genres and styles, with such cool textures and layers.
The album concludes with “Courage Cloak,” the album’s namesake. Discordant guitars and exceptional vocals here; grit and melody reign yet again
Overall, The Courage Cloak is a compelling collection of songs. It was honestly difficult to narrow it down to a few stand out tracks, because the album is a gem in its entirety. The dual vocals complement each other perfectly, and with the impeccable use of rawness balanced by bright melody, it all comes together as a cohesive piece of art.
Stream The Courage Cloak album by Spring Colours on your preferred platform:
Spotify / Bandcamp / Apple Music / Bandcamp
Follow Spring Colours on Instagram
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