Other Colors is an exploratory pop group from Baltimore comprised of longtime collaborators William Ryerson and Daniel Whatley, with a rotating cast of characters.
An historic blizzard in Baltimore back in 2010 played prominently in the early history of the band. With the city shut down for almost two weeks, Ryerson took the opportunity to write a droney, catchy set of songs on a broken electric guitar, layering sounds overtop on an old four-track. The results, captured on a self-titled EP released a year later, set a course for the group’s future pop ambitions: a skewed, lo-fi miniature of greater things to come.
Their proper debut album, Free Thoughts, was recorded in 2012 by Dan Frome (Big Ups, Expert Alterations). A more polished and recognizably rock affair, it features contributions from notable musicians including Jenn Wasner (Wye Oak) and Dave Jacober (Dope Body). Released on their own Genpop imprint in early 2013, the album incorporates introspective folk-rock moods and atmospheric production into a set of memorable songs. To follow up, they recorded a two song seven-inch with Chester Endersby Gwazda (Future Islands, Dan Deacon) that more accurately captured the band’s dreamy live sound.
The band is now preparing to release their second album Natural Motion, recorded and mixed throughout 2015 at Beat Babies by Chris Freeland (Lower Dens, Wye Oak). This new album draws stylistic inspiration from forgotten AM radio hits and the smoother side of krautrock, conjuring tender soft-rock vibes through the fractured lens of contemporary underground pop. Filled withimaginative arrangements and first-rate songcraft, Natural Motion is a major step forward for the group: a lush, fully realized sound experience with abundant melodic treasures waiting to be uncovered.
Natural Motion will be released on July 29 via Friends Records.
