Few releases in metal/hardcore have had as much buildup as The Color Morale’s Know Hope. Vocalist Garrett Rapp has always been one to wear his heart on his sleeve. A conversation I had with him at the Columbus stop of the 2012 August Burns Red US tour proved such. It also made me really intrigued with this record – titled thus before any songs were penned. “KNOW! HOPE!” Rapp had everyone repeat from the stage all those months ago.
But what is the hope Rapp is referring to in the lyrics? I’m not sure, and frankly I’m not sure he knows either. Know Hope is raw, vulnerable, but in the end tries to be optimistic. And many, many people have been touched already – just take a gander at the hundreds of Know Hope inspired tattoo pictures sent to the band posted on the official Facebook page. In spite of not being a band formed to cater to Christian-biased demographics (though some members identify as such), no doubt many devoted followers of Christian heavy music have this album under a probing lens. Some will be disappointed by the profanity.
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Hm4tIPtRco&h=297&w=450]“But,” you may be wondering, “how does the album sound?” To say Know Hope avoids the “rise-core” sound associated with acts on their label would be a mistake at best. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything innovative on here. With Rapp’s vocals conveying raw emotion in unprecedented ways and the band seamlessly blending hardcore and metalcore influences into distinct concoction, it is undeniable that The Color Morale is now a heavyweight in their scene. Synth is added sparingly, but in a piercing way (see “Living Breathing Something”). The singing is less polished, the screams more poignant. The latter half of the record gets, for lack of a better term, more hopeful. The oddly titled “Saviorself” is a true highlight, with its chill-inducing piano intro segueing into a well-composed breakdown. “Never Enders” has the feel of a power ballad almost, deceiving us momentarily until Rapp’s soaring vocals carry a classic hardcore beat. These are just a few noteworthy examples of the mature musicianship interspersed throughout Know Hope.
The Color Morale have truly come into their own with their third album. It will be interesting to see where they fall in their genre’s dichotomy of classics in five to ten years’ time. There’s definitely a reason this band is eliciting such a strong reaction from the scene, and it is about time you found out why for yourself.
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