3 stars
While Cubed is a good album, it would be more aptly named as Square, as it is missing a certain dimension of wow-factor. While The Color Exchange, an alternative rock band formerly known as Clockwork Kids, creates a harmonic unity, it is nothing we haven’t heard before.
Cubed is the first album released by The Color Exchange, although the band released two album, Rememory and The Swain Sessions, under its former name. The Color Exchange is composed of four UNC alumni — Justin Ellis on the bass and vocals, Chris Petto on guitars, Chris McCarty on keyboards, and Brett Scott on drums.
The album isn’t bad; it’s just closer to a good album than a great album. The band does a great job of showcasing everyone’s talents, including guitar solos and interesting keyboard and drum work. “Tongues” is the first song on the album and is the most popular on Soundcloud. This song features a unique musical sequence on the keyboard that sets it apart from the rest of the songs on the album, which focus more on including guitar solos. Unfortunately, this song also sets the tone for the entire album, which is a disappointing mix of interesting instrumental and lackluster vocals.
If I had to put a name to the tone of this album, I’d call it “white boy whine.” The album’s songs push the lyrics to center stage, but they are filled with cliches and blur together. Each song also focuses on Ellis’ voice, but he doesn’t do anything unique with it. He uses the same long, drawn out notes that add a pleading and entreating tone to his words that would usually make a great song — however, the problem lies in the similar vocal qualities in every song on the album.
Cubed is trying hard to be new and edgy, but it falls short. Each song pushes the lyrics as the most important part, but they aren’t interesting enough to be the centerpiece; I’m more excited by the guitar solos.
However, each song is different, but still remains connected to the others, making Cubed a cohesive album. As it is still early in their career and they are getting a lot of practice on their multiple touring gigs, there is much to look forward to.
The Color Exchange will doubtlessly continue to grow as artists and, hopefully, step it up a notch or two.
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