Brightest color - #2

Brightest Color

#2
self-released; 2013

4.2 out of 5

By Stephanie Windfeldt

Brooklyn-based band Brightest Color is a gorgeous reimaging of 80’s synth pop. Their new EP, #2, is dark and calculated. The band creates a sound that is trance-y and accessible. Erik and Florent do the lion’s share of the songwriting. They met in Paris in 2008, where they had played in a math-rock band. When Florent and Erik made their way to New York, they joined forces with Robert and Kage and Brightest Color was formed. Brightest Color has hit the ground at a good pace, releasing their first album in April of 2012, then #2 in October of 2013.

The four songs on #2, “Transatlantic,” “Providence,” “Hindsight” and “Rapture” are very cohesive and create a singular image in a sit down listen. For me, it was steam rising off wet bricks when the sun hits them in the early spring. The guitar work is inventive, original and a downright impressive. The other instrumentation is no slouch either. Synths sound dark and ominous, drums sound creative and meticulously placed and the lead vocal as well as the harmonies are fantastic.

“Transatlantic” begins with a great amount of energy. The voice work is harmonized and calm. The drums and synth work in a tandem pace. Throughout the song, I can tell that this band probably has their practice space organized impeccably: their studio apartments minimal. 

“Providence” lets a little more feeling through. The echoing voice work perfectly off synch.  “Hindsight” is carried along by a little tweeting, tweaking sound that is pure organic noise. It tickled my ears until they giggled. The use of voice has a serious and focused tone while the cascading guitar creates hypnotic swells of sounds.

“Rapture” brings in a little melancholy verse then picks up in the chorus. The hook brings the listener into a calculated break rich with deep guitar work and crystalline sound.

The energy is consistent throughout this EP, creating a graceful and thoughtful product. They use guitar, drums and a growing synth collection to create their organized noise.  Their synth instruments of choice are a DSI Tetra, Roland SH-101, and a Juno 106. The EP was recorded at Studio G Brooklyn where Black Keys recorded Blacroc. Brightest Color is doing their thing in Brooklyn, playing local shows at the Bowery Electric, the Pine Box Rock Shop and Pianos. If you are in the Brooklyn, definitely check them out.

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