KINK Review Grafitti 6

February 7, 2012, 8:42 am

The KINK Community weighs in


Our thanks to Cynthia Orlando for her thoughts on the new Graffiti 6 CD "Colours"

Graffiti6 "Colours" is a colorful romp through some great music

Would it be wrong to admit to not listening to The Black Keys' top-selling "El Camino" much since Graffiti6's "Colours" came out a couple of weeks ago?

"Colours" is a fun, energetic collection of richly-textured rock/pop songs that pull from a lot of different influences, particularly soul. This 6-member London-based band played in Portland with Augustana last month, and is headed by singer/songwriter Jamie Scott and producer/songwriter Tommy D (Jay-Z, KT Tunstall).

The outcome of the creative energies of this dymanic musical duo? Fun, fresh tracks like the opening "Stone in My Heart" and the equally impressive followup, "Annie You Save Me."

At times, lead singer Scott's amazing vocal range approximates a male version of Annie Lennox, or Maroon 5's lead singer Adam Levine. Comparisons aside, whether he's belting it out on the lively and engaging "Stare into the Sun" or purring right along on the smooth, sultry, Motown-inspired  "Calm the Storm," he delivers big time.

 Also to be recognized: the steady, understated backbeat from drummer Leonn Meade, along with Tommy D's carefully crafted acoustic guitar, on the pensive "Goodbye Geoffrey Drake."  Another standout: "Never Look Back," a tight musical sprint that resembles psychedelic rock from a different era. In fact, "Never Look Back" could be as big a hit as "Free"; gotta love the way Scott laughs while he's singing, and the hand-clapping in the chorus.

Minor quibbles: "This Man" rather messes with the momentum built up in the first three tracks. But, by the time "Free," the current hit single KINK-FM listeners will quickly recognize, comes on, all is forgiven. Also, while the rest of the CD invigorates and inspires, the same can't really be said for the title track.

Soft, soothing keyboards, wonderful vocals and great chord changes on "Over You," the closing track, are a great captstone. "Over You," as the name implies, is a breakup song, but don't worry; it's so pretty and sweet, you won't feel bad listening to it.

Best tracks: "Stone in My Heart," "Anie You Save Me," "Stare into the Sun" (the CD's "real" title track), and "Free." Graffiti6 signed to Capitol Records last year, and this is their first full-length effort.

 As of this writing, "Free,"  is offered for free on their website at http://www.graffiti6.com/.  "Free" is a good representation of "Colours," so if you like it, you'll find much to love about the rest of the release.

Now, where did I put that "El Camino" CD...

Thanks Cynthia~ Dave Scott

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