The European hardcore scene has always fascinated me, and for many reasons. But perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the world of hardcore on the other side of the Atlantic is that it always comes of as very nostalgic. I don't mean that in a disrespecting way, but more times than not, it seems as though the Euros go out their way to pay homage to their influences.
Belgium's True Colors is a great example of just that. The band marks their return with full-length number two, Rush of Hope, which follows up their 2007 debut, Focus on the Light. If you own that LP or any of the band's other material, then you already know what you're getting. If you're new to the game, well then what you have here is a Europe's leading edge of the youth crew revival.
Imagine the best of Chain of Strength and Youth of Today duking it out and you've got a good start on the type of tunes that True Colors offer. Fuel that with a steady diet of positive lyrics and a non-militant straight edge agenda and you've got True Colors. And while they are definitely nostalgic in sound, the band does find ways to infuse a bit more melody and uniqueness to their sound, giving them a modern approach to the style, much like recent favorites The First Step.
I enjoyed this record a lot but there were a couple of songs that really stood out amongst the others. "What We Had" had me amped up and ready to sing-along from start to finish. Meanwhile, "Human Touch" boasted an interesting turn in style. It had a definite post-hardcore feel to it that reminded me of Quicksand or the later Turning Point catalog. It was a nice change of pace mixed in with the standard crop of high octane hardcore. On the flip side of things, "Count Your Loss" had me ready to run circles around my house. This is modern youth crew at its best.
The CD version of this LP also comes packaged with the five tracks from the band's previous outing, the 2008 released Perspective 7". Just like the tracks heard on the new record, you get energetic youth crew revival hardcore. I especially loved shouting along to "No Way Out." Oh and the band gets bonus points for the original cover to this 7" bearing a striking resemblance to Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska.
With Rush of Hope True Colors continue to showcase why they are amongst the top European hardcore bands. As of now, there has yet to be a U.S. label to pick up this release, but I could easily see a Youngblood, Lockin' Out, Six Feet Under, or a Rivalry sort of label releasing this LP with great success. I've never been a huge youth crew fan, but this album kept my interest throughout. In any event, if you're looking for a new record to break down the walls with, this is your record.
