‘Castle’ is a cascading symphony of indie pop that seems to consistently and intriguingly shatter the conceptions and barriers of what defines a modern indie tune. The ever so innovative and psychedelic aficionado that is ‘Coloured Clocks’ conceives a wondrous pyramid of synths, groovy beats, quirky vocals, and a slew of tiny instrumental sections that all synthesise together into a collection of tracks that leave you absolutely floored from back to front. From the album’s very opening, the powerful and poignant intro that is ‘In the Castle’, you’re treated to a single piece that oscillates from so many angles and sides that you’re never quite sure where it’s going to go, but you’re in for the ride nonetheless.
As it moves into ‘Universe’, this opulent and seismic medley of synths that feel like a string orchestra emotionally, you truly start to see the grand vision of Coloured Clocks begin to unravel itself onto you. The vocal performance from James Wallace, the man behind it all, is so definitively his own that you’re bound to buy into it if you find a moment to cherish on the records. There’s so much raw expression behind his delivery, the emotion is so palpably there.
Once you enter ‘In Good Time’, the mood switches into something a bit languid but still resoundingly powerful in expression and tone. There’s really not a single moment across this record that you find yourself able to attach or draw an immediate point of comparison to with a counterpart. ‘Castle’ is the vision of an artist who has an expression and sonic style that’s entirely their own. But, by and large, if you’re a fan of modern indie projects that tend to gravitate heavily on luscious and atmospheric production, while still retaining that warmth and nostalgia that forms the emotional backdrop of it all, this album is bound to give you multiple songs to add to your playlists.