The Colourflies
Honeydripper
GrindEthos Record
8/10
The Colourflies hit me up about a review a couple months back, but I was busy flying high on prescription narcotics and recovery from a surgery. Now, quite sober (and writing from my fucking Peloton as I get my shit together), I can’t turn this shit off.
This sounds like a mix tape my high school girlfriend would have made me (circa ‘99/’00), but with like, VERY reused tapes. It’s chock full of distorted riffs, shoegaze cliches, excessive ride cymbals, and lo-fi sounds that feel authentic rather than a gimmick. It reminds me of the late 90’s alt rock scene that seemed to run with “let’s get weird” as a mantra. I love it.
I’m talking She Don’t Use Jelly, Pumping on Your Stereo, Bohemian Like You, and hell, Blister in the Sun. But think of the Colourflies as a peer of the era, not a recreation, not a tribute to. It’s a continuation, an evolution.
Great could easily be a Gish-era B-side. You could tell me that Fuck You was a Neutral Milk Hotel demo and I’d believe you. Shiiiit, even the title Scully and Mulder on the Kitchen Floor sounds 90’s as fuck (but more Phantom Planet’s Is Missing.
Like most of the bands referenced, the Colourflies are now on my list of bands I’d like to see live.