Nashville – It’s not often that I listen to a pop song, let alone an album, and like it on the first listen. It typically takes me hearing the song (either willing or forcibly by a friend) several times over for me to even begin to slightly enjoy it. 

The moment I began to play the first song on The Colourist’s self-titled album (released on March 25), I was nodding my head and within the first minute was a fan of the band. What I enjoy most about The Colourist’s music (and the band’s persona) is that the group presents a relatable front with an eccentric twist. They want to be accepted musically by fans and yet differentiate themselves through a unique sound. The members of the group are certainly quirky: on their Facebook page they list their interests as being “ghost hunting,” “tropical drinks” and “scratchers.”  Not to mention that the only female member, Maya Tuttle, is the drummer in addition to being one of the lead vocalists. A woman drummer who also sings? Talk about unique (and badass).

The first song off the album, “Little Games,” is a fun, grab-at-you-and-hold-on sort of tune that has a simple complexity about it. It opens with two chords being strummed one after the other before the other instruments suddenly come in to pick up the tempo. The sound this band presents is clean-cut and well produced. The lyrics are easily understood and appealing in terms of being relatable. 

            Oh we were comin’ around

            You threw me back down

            You had my trust in your hands

            You gave it up again

Lyrics like this look sad in print, but the upbeat vibe that the song presents makes you think everything is and will be just fine. This seems to be a trend throughout the album: “Little Games” isn’t the only song about betrayal and hurt with a happy tune. “What Can I Say” is a song about how things began so well in a relationship only to have everything fall to pieces. “Oh Goodbye” talks about the building of a love that you eventually just have to let go of. The Colourist seems to represent those that wear their hearts on their sleeves. We’ve all been there – giving up everything only to have it thrown back in our faces. It sucks, and the band knows this.

This four-piece band, made up of Adam Castilla, Maya Tuttle, Justin Wagner and Kollin Johannsen, is standing up for the people who have been done wrong by love and yet still dream of finding that one person who will never hurt them. They make you feel like you’re not alone in the world, which is ultimately what music is about: it’s that friend that will never leave you, will always understand you, and will tell you that you’re loved no matter what.

The Colourist understands that, as made clear by their album. The two vocalists on the album, Maya Tuttle and Adam Castilla, have very complimentary singing voices that are smooth and appropriate for the pop sound the band is clearly going for. Combined with the dance-worthy music, this combination makes for a very intriguing and enchanting creation.

The Colourist’s self-titled album is currently available for purchase here and the band is currently on tour to promote the recent release.