Colouratura – WTF Was That?! (Melodic Revolution Records, 2024)
Colouratura, a crossover progressive rock trio from the Ohio Valley, released their fourth album, WTF Was That?!, in October 2023, marking their return to a more traditional album format after a previous independent release. The album, recorded between early 2022 and summer 2023, presents a diverse range of themes and styles, from sarcastic political commentary to personal reflections on loss and traditions. The attitude reminds me of Frank Zappa’s work. Indeed, Colouratura use humor, sarcasm, and wit in their lyrics.
The album’s title and concept emerged from a spontaneous jam session and were further developed to encompass the eclectic mix of songs, including tracks like “Toy Soldiers,” a response to the Ukrainian War; “Flim-Flam Man” about the devastating loss of a childhood home to a coal mine; “Lousy Smarch Weather” connected to unpredictable severe weather; “Away” sparked by the reversal of Roe V Wade; and “Mothman,” inspired by local folklore. Each song was carefully crafted to stand on its own while contributing to the overall narrative of WTF Was That?!.
Stylistically, Colouratura put together an engaging cocktail of jam rock, Zappaesque blues rock, progressive rock with Jethro Tull influences, funk, jazz, psychedelia, special effects and various other elements and influences. Despite facing challenges such as relocation and lineup changes, the band managed to create their most cohesive and balanced work yet, mixing introspective lyrics with intricate musical arrangements.
Musicians: Ian Beabout, producer, editor, backing vocals, microKorg synthesizer, flute, field recordings, Theremini, lead vocals; Nathan James on bass, lead vocals, backing vocals, keyboards, synthesizers, acoustic guitar; Derek Pavlic on guitars, viola, Mellotron, synthesizers, glockenspiel, vocoder.
Guests: Derek Ferguson on drums, keyboards, and percussion; Dave Trik on drums; Chris Boros on Mellotron; Mitch Lawrence on saxophone; and Jacopo Muneratti, moth swat.
Buy WTF Was That?!.