colorado youth - only instinct

Colorado Youth

Only Instinct
self-released; 2013

4.0 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

I was playing the album Only Instinct by Colorado Youth in my living room with my girlfriend in the other room when she shouted, “Who is this? I love it.” The feelings she had were the same as mine as the album is full gorgeous of songs that are bursting with heartfelt emotion. It’s always a treat when you listen to an album that creates pop music that is done correctly and Colorado Youth hit it out of the park with this one. 

Colorado Youth is the collaboration of Jacob Folk (the main songwriter), Sam Popkin, Beau Gordon and Dana Falsetti. Their tale is a bit of a redemption story in that were originally in a band called The Zealots separated by college only to reform in 2013 as Colorado Youth. How they managed to write and record these songs in less than a year is beyond my comprehension.

The album begins with a soulful song called “Tricks,” which puts the warm organ as the vital instrument to create the canvas for Folk to sing over. It’s really a beautiful melody that combines the perfect amount of melancholy, revival and optimism. A solid start if maybe a bit unusual way to start the album. The second song “Gila” is bit more loose and carefree. It’s a song full of catchy guitar lines and one of the most infectious choruses I have heard in quite some time.  One of the most sparse songs “The Moon” was also one of the best on the album. The banjo and organ sounded warm against the acoustic guitar as Folk gives one of most emotionally charged vocal performances. 

I really enjoyed Jacob Folk’s voice but Dana Falsetti’s vocal performance on “The Lucky Ones” was captivating. Her voice never strained but sounds deep and rich as it fills the air. My only complaint is that the song ended too soon. I was waiting for it and they delivered on  “Fare You Well” where Folk’s and Falsetti’s harmonize to deliver a memorable vocal duet. They end with the epic seven-plus minute “When It's All Said And Done,” which reaches great heights and places in between. 

Only Instinct is a well-rounded album that brings you pop songs with just the right amount of emotional resonance. Grab a glass a wine and immerse yourself.

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