The tagline on the MySpace of Toronto’s Europe in Colour is “We have fun!” After listening to the group’s online material, these words certainly seem true. While the music of this three-piece outfit might not reflect the same pure happiness and a party atmosphere as something from Los Campesinos!, it’s well produced and arranged. All three members, Alt Altman, Rebecca Applebaum, and Dave Kates, contribute vocally and play a vast array of instruments. A tight collaborative effort, Europe In Colour, rely heavily on its synth and vocal melodies.
Echoing ’80s synth pop bands such as Air and Kraftwerk, this electronic trio does not shy away from
embracing its love for the genre. While other bands deviate away from dominant synth sounds, Europe In Colour bases its music around multiple layers of it. This creates fantastic melodies which pair well with Applebaum and Altman’s fantastic harmonizing. The group’s most popular track, “Last Flight to Paris”, represents these strong melody combinations very well. A well arranged song, “Last Flight to Paris” has potential to skyrocket this band into a major label record deal. Fantastic vocals, alongside a bass-line which hooks you in, “Last Flight” is one your ears should not miss.
When Europe In Colour is not dazzling you with their electronic skills, the trio relies on Kates’s guitar for soothing chords. Listen to tracks “Herman Hesse” or “Salvador” via CBC Radio 3 and you’ll quickly discover Kates’s knack for soft guitar melodies. Although they consider themselves a synth pop band and most of their music represents that, they strive for difference in every song. By listening to their selections online, one senses that Europe In Colour strive to be different.
It’s by combining ’60s pop influences with ’80s synth sounds that Europe In Colour strays away from other recent electronic pop bands. Forgetting about the recent influx of dance pop acts, this trio from Toronto produces electro music which is soft and calming rather club-friendly. Perfect for listening to on a rainy day or during late night study sessions. Pop songs such as “Heavenly” remind us of The Zombies – perhaps if you don’t enjoy Europe In Colour your parents will. Regardless, Europe In Colour will be continuing to push its synth pop music across the internet until people begin to listen. Who knows, you could be the next victim to be infected with their catchy beats and original sound.
Check Out:
“Last Fight to Paris”