A-Sides with Jon Chattman: You, I & Colony House

A-Sides with Jon Chattman: You, I & Colony House
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"Back and better than ever."

That's such an annoying term. When you say someone is "back and better than ever" it almost implies that they A) weren't very good to begin with or B) were just so so and needed to grow. Maybe I'm reading into it too much, but I find myself compelled to write just that when describing alt-rock act Colony House but actually mean it literally. Let me get this out of my system:

Nashville's Colony House are back and better than ever!

OK, done.

A few years ago, the indie rockers dropped their debut album When I Was Younger, and it was a rockingly (yes, I'm making that a word) uplifting album with some weight to it featuring notable, breakthrough track "Silhouettes." Lucky for us the band's follow-up Only the Lonely is on its way in Jan, 13, and if the first two singles - "You & I" and "Lonely" - are any indication, they've upped the ante. Ugh, there's another phrase I don't like but again, I speak the truth. Let's move on and I'll deal with my inner war with words.

Perhaps the reason I'm struggling is because Colony House have expanded their sound in so many ways this time out. For starters, they've added a member of the band (Park Cottrell joins Scott Mills, and brothers Caleb and Will Chapman), big guitars (and a lot of reverb), and a near-anthemic sound. The alt-hit "You & I" showcases this sound, and even pays homage to Queen. Anyway, listen for yourselves. I interviewed the band once again at the Gibson showroom in New York City, and was fortunate to have them play that tune. Watch it below (filmed by shootmepeter.com).

A-Sides' "Delve Into Twelve" Countdown
Each week A-Sides unleashes its top 12 tracks of the week AKA the "Delve Into Twelve" based on the following contributing factors: songs I'm playing out that particular week (no matter when they were released -- think overlooked songs, unreleased tracks and old favorites), songs various publicists are trying to get me to listen to that I did and dug a bunch, song posts and trends I've noticed on my friends' Facebook walls and, most importantly: what my preschooler is currently enjoying thoroughly with an assist from my toddler.

About A-Sides with Jon Chattman - thisisasides.com :
Jon Chattman's music/entertainment series typically features celebrities and artists (established or not) from all genres performing a track, and discussing what it means to them. This informal series focuses on the artist making art in a low-threatening, extremely informal (sometime humorous) way. No bells, no whistles -- just the music performed in a random, low-key setting followed by an unrehearsed chat. In an industry where everything often gets overblown and over manufactured, Jon strives for a refreshing change. (Theme song by Blondfire.) Artists featured on the series include Imagine Dragons, Melissa Etheridge, Yoko Ono, Elle King, Joe Perry, Alice Cooper, James Bay, Jimmy Eat World, Charli XCX, Marina and the Diamonds, and Bastille.

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