The Color Exchange brings ‘Cubed’ to Atlanta
Chapel Hill outfit brings its blend of bold, atmospheric rock to town.
- Kasey Poly
- The Color Exchange
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The best bands know that in every song, the breaks are just as important as the notes they play. Chapel Hill, N.C.’s the Color Exchange proves its place among the best with its latest album, Cubed. Beginning its career as Clockwork Kids, the band has since traded most of its guitars for keyboards, pushed the strings up in the mix, and, overall, simplified its approach to driving, arty, alternative rock.
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More balanced and nuanced than anything the group released in its previous incarnation, these songs are athematic but subtle, atmospheric but driving, introspective but direct. The album’s highlight “Answer” boldly ventures into territory explored by Radiohead, Coldplay, or U2, while the mid-set “Oxygen” rests vocals about recent social and political struggles atop an almost trip hop foundation. Much like the arc of the band’s career thus far, Cubed’s closer “Hollow” starts small and builds towards something beautiful and grand.
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The Color Exchange plays the Masquerade (Purgatory) on Fri., July 17, with the Wilderness, Dalmation, Navigateur, wWaylon, and NOVUS. $8. 7 p.m. 695 North Ave., N.E. 404-577-8178. www.masq.com.