Arts & Culture

Much more immediate and upbeat (musically, certainly not in tone) than predecessor PM, Colours Simple ups the ante considerably, swapping the melancholic acoustic guitar, piano and violin focused musical base for a more raucous, electric guitar led sound that makes so much more of the whole group’s musicality.

In short, this is much more of a “band” record, less reliant on the whisky soaked drawl of Pete Gow and the artistry of his words to steer the songs, much more driven by Jim Mavin’s  pitch-perfect guitar work and the slick work of the rhythm section. That’s not to say that this lyrical aspect of the band is missing, it is still there, proudly front and centre as always with atmospheric tales of broken lives, hapless characters and the cruelty of fate. This flawless combination of world weary tales flawed characters and more rocked up country tunes have created possibly the finest album I have heard for some time. You really need a copy of this in your collection. Get it at www.casehardin.com