Blue Zero
Colder Shade Blue
Lower Grand Tapes [2024]
“Dive into Colder Shade Blue—a mesmerizing blend of shoegaze and post-punk that resonates long after the final note.”
Album Overview: Blue Zero is the latest project from Oakland-based multi-instrumentalist Chris Natividad, known for his work in Marbled Eye, Public Interest, and Aluminum. The Bay Area has long been a hotspot for experimental and innovative DIY rock, and Natividad’s work has consistently pushed boundaries within that scene. Initially starting as a series of isolated demos in his studio, Blue Zero evolved into a full band with the addition of Lauren Melton from SUCKER and Rick Altieri of Blue Ocean. Colder Shade Blue is a debut album that balances energetic rock elements with moments of quiet contemplation. It offers a diverse collection of tracks, each blending distorted guitars with delicate melodies, creating a contrast that captivates the listener. The album’s production, handled by Andrew Oswald, adds a rich, immersive layer to the sound, making each track feel expansive. Blue Zero taps into a deep complexity, striking a balance between post-punk aggression and shoegaze introspection that leaves you eager to hear the record again.
Musical Style: The musical approach on Colder Shade Blue draws from several genres, weaving together elements of shoegaze, post-hardcore, noise rock, and art rock. The songs shift between jangly, shimmering guitar tones and fuzz-laden riffs, often accompanied by a rhythm section that is both tight and propulsive. The tracks frequently employ a wall-of-sound technique, creating a rich sonic landscape where melody and noise coexist. It’s clear that the band draws inspiration from accessible, melody-driven styles while also embracing avant-garde rock.
Evolution of Sound: Natividad’s sound with Blue Zero showcases a departure from some of the sharper, angular guitar work of his previous projects. With Colder Shade Blue, there’s a more fluid approach to songwriting, resulting in songs that feel spacious and open. The guitar work alternates between clean, chiming sections and fuzzed-out distortion, giving the record a layered, multidimensional quality.
Artists with Similar Fire: Listeners might hear echoes of Sonic Youth in the way Blue Zero balances melody and noise. The shimmering guitar tones and sprawling song structures evoke My Bloody Valentine, while moments of dissonance and rawness can be linked to the post-punk styles of Preoccupations or A Place to Bury Strangers. Blue Zero also shares a similarly dense wall of guitars, dreamy melodies, and a layered, atmospheric approach reminiscent of Airiel or Ringo Deathstarr.
Pivotal Tracks: “Broken By A Glance” opens with a swirling, moody guitar line, setting the tone for the album. It builds gradually, with layers of distorted sound creating an immersive experience that reflects themes of uncertainty and routine. “Lemon Year” stands out for its more pop-oriented structure, driven by a catchy melody that brings a sense of brightness to the album. The guitar riff that opens “Back Of My Day” is instantly memorable, while “Scar” introduces a heavier, melancholic tone, with brooding instrumental sections drawing listeners into a more introspective space. Each track reveals a different facet of the band’s sound, showcasing their ability to blend mood and dynamics seamlessly. “Gone Again” is another highlight near the end of the record, echoing the pulse of the Jesus and Mary Chain.
Lyrical Strength: The lyrics throughout Colder Shade Blue explore themes of isolation, introspection, and affective dissonance. While the vocal delivery often sits just beneath the surface of the swirling instrumentation, the lyrics provide moments of clarity amidst the noise. The lyrical content complements the band’s sonic landscape, offering a balance between ambiguity and emotional weight.
BLUE ZERO LINKS
Instagram | Bandcamp | Lower Grand Tapes
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