The Many Colored Death

Few bands, local or otherwise, can deliver a combination of storm and sunburst like Columbia power trio The Many Colored Death.

“Drown” — the band’s new single, and a prelude to a forthcoming album — is perhaps the most quintessentially Many Colored Death song yet, emphasizing dynamic highs and lows while finding plenty of space between them for sober sentiment and nuance.

The tune begins with Soundgarden levels of heaviness, guitarist Brent Moore, drummer Shea Spence and bassist Preston Rodgers getting the most out of every hit. Then, it takes off at a sprinter’s pace, Moore calling out to a friend in serious need: “Brother, where have you gone? / Somewhere you can’t be found / And you can die alone?”

Moore’s voice, built for songs in and inspired by the classic-rock canon, both soars here and shows off a previously unheard vulnerability. Reaching a lower, quiet register in the middle of the song, he takes the band in a different, welcome direction.

The song’s true brilliance and impact comes in moments of interplay. Around 90 seconds into the song, Moore duets with himself. Rather than take the route of least resistance as he blends his vocals and guitar together, he makes more interesting choices, the two instruments freed to express themselves yet find kinship together.

Rodgers and Spence are an ace rhythm section, and the way Moore’s emotive guitar plays off their intensity and precision is part of the band’s DNA — yet still somehow manages to surprise. Spence’s drumming in the song’s final minute is really something special.

Whether “Drown” is the best of the band’s new material, or just the tip of the iceberg, Midwest rock fans have much to look forward to from The Many Colored Death. - Aarik Danielsen: Columbia Daily Tribune

“This Columbia power trio plays chest-rattling sing-alongs that meld the anthemic qualities of Foo Fighters, proggy weirdness of Rush and metal bonafides of bands such as Black Mountain and Mastodon.” - Aarik Danielsen, Columbia Daily Tribune

The musicians in The Many Colored Death play loud driving rock music that features great fuzzy guitar riffs, dynamic bass lines, appropriately focused vocals, and cool energized drums. And the best part is that the songs themselves are dynamite (!). Seventeen gripping songs here and they're all keepers. These three individuals have a great sound and energy that could easily please millions of music fans. Yes, they're that good. Not only is the music killer, but these guys also had the good common sense to print a lyric poster which actually makes it possible to read the lyrics (!). Our favorite tracks include "Fade In," "To Fly," "Bam," "Someone You Can Love," and "Perchance To Dream." We sure hope this band gets the kind of support they deserve. Hard rockin' music with guts and brains. The guitar playing on this album is absolutely THE BEST (!!!). Top pick. - babysue

You see the skeptical glances and whispers as she sets up her kit. Then she plays a few measures during sound check and heads start to turn. When the band kicks into its opening number the jaws begin to drop. Like clockwork, they are all blown away and she has not just broken, but pulverized their collective preconceived notions about how a female drummer should play - Detroit Rock N Roll Magazine