This past January I was lucky enough to discover a very unique venue tucked in among buildings of Halstead in the UIC area called the E.P. Theater. Part show venue and part professionally working theater, the E.P was decorated in a vintage mish mash of creativity that just felt fresh comfortable. It seems entirely appropriate now that this venue should also be the place I discover a band called Color Radio.
Playing to us out of Chicago, this scruffy faced foursome combines spacey guitars, keys, and vocals slightly reminiscent of Silver Chair and Muse, to bring a sound that is inviting and entirely soothing. Percussion that’s rhythmic and smooth though a little understated, add to the ambience brought on by Color Radio.
In 2008 they released the EP Feeling Like You Used To, recorded with Brain Zieske (Sars Flannery, The Hush Sound) and since then has been working tirelessly to get themselves heard. Short but sweet, the EP and their live set gives a sound similar to Coldplay, As Tall As Lions, and Death Cab For Cutie. The Death Cab similarity is limited to the instrumentals of the band, some of which sound like they could have been pulled right out of DCFC’s last release Narrow Stairs. Beyond that Color Radio’s individuality comes from their combination of atmospheric sound and the quality of their vocalist’s timbre.
I recently saw Color Radio play at the Subterranean (www.subt.net) along with Damiera and the much adored, Lovedrug. Initially the room wasn’t packed, maybe a crowd of 40-50, most hanging back by the bar or in the balcony and chatting as Color Radio opened. The band didn’t delve into any show boat-y bravado and just dove into their opening song, something that I appreciate being done by any band. As the song progressed the crowd slowly but surely came up to the stage, and as it came to a close I’m pretty sure they had most everyone’s attention. Performance wise this band is pretty mellow, with out much movement save for the bounces and leaps coming from front man Jonathan Ifergan. That’s not to say their performance is boring, it just seems to hold more focus than showmanship. Jonathan obviously knows the talent he’s working with- the control and use of his voice live is absolutely impeccable.
Despite a few hiccups (a melodic fill for Ifergan’s guitar switch that didn’t go so smoothly, a slight loss of synchronicity in their last song) this band plays extremely polished and professionally. They seem to have big plans for 2009, and I would suggest anyone who appreciates ambient indie to look out for them.
Color Radio will be playing at The Bottom Lounge (www.bottomlounge.com)
