Films of Colour - Capital/Persinette

by Andy Cassidy

published: 23 / 7 / 2011

Label: Films of Colour
Format: CDS

Competent but derivative and uninspiring second single from London-based indie rockers, Films of Colour

Review

'Capital/Persinette' is the latest release from Films of Colour following on from their well-received debut single, 'Actions'. 'Capital' opens with an MGMT-style electronic flourish before crunching, heavily distorted guitars, reminiscent of Biffy Clyro (or Radiohead at their heaviest) force their way to the fore and come close to overpowering everything. Andy Clutterbuck’s vocal performance is competent, as is the musicianship, but there is little here that is either original or exciting. Lyrically, the song is banal, bordering on meaningless, and, like the music, there is no real spark of originality. Production-wise, though, the track has full, deep sound and a fabulously sharp finish. The single’s B-Side 'Persinette' (the title comes from the fairy tale, by Charlotte-Rose de Caumont de La Force, which, when adapted by the Brothers Grimm became better known as 'Rapunzel') starts off gently with a guitar doodling lazily against a phased background before being joined by drums playing one of the strangest percussion phrases I’ve ever heard. There’s no doubt that James Rees-Flynn’s drumming is technically excellent, but to my ear it just sounds wrong. The song itself is considerably more satisfying than 'Capital' – lyrically, it has substance and narrative, and the unusual accompaniment is at the very least interesting, The EP includes two alternative versions of 'Capital' (including a surprisingly enjoyable acoustic version) and an alternative version of Persinette. Musically, Films of Colour are four talented guys. It would be interesting to hear how they would fare with less derivative and uninspiring material.