ALBUM REVIEW: Colour Haze - “Live Vol. 1 – Europa Tournee”

By: Victor Van Ommen

Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 15/06/2016
Label: Elektrohasch Records

The live feeling pierces through, enhancing the flavor of these songs when compared to their studio counterparts, and thusly staking the claim that Colour Haze are masters of their craft.

“Live Vol. 1 – Europa Tournee” CD//3XLP track listing:#

1). Persicope (Frankfurt)
2). Moon (Frankfurt)
3). Überall/Call (Frankfurt)
4). She Said (Paris)
5). Aquamaria (Würzbug)
6). To the Highest Gods We Know (Paris)
7). Circles (Paris)
8). Transformation (Berlin)
9). Grace (Berlin)
10). Tempel (Paris)
11). Love (Paris)
12). Peace Brothers and Sisters (Frankfurt)
13). Get It On (Köln)

The Review:

What’s left to say about Colour Haze that hasn’t already been said? If you’re (still) unfamiliar with the kraut-rock meets Jimi Hendrix jams of Stefan Koglek (guitar), Philipp Rasthofer (Bass), and Manfred Merwald (drums) – collectively known as Colour Haze – then you better get your priorities straight. This three piece makes a special kind of noise, one that uses repetitive, wild, and hypnotic melodies as their building blocks. Their songs range from two minute sprints to thirty minute creations, each one as good as the last. They’re as creative as they are skilled, and speak to both the casual as well as the intense listener.

Last August, about ten months since their last studio release, Colour Haze released a live album, “Live Vol. 1 – Europa Tournee.” On CD, it’s a double disc whammy, and I can only imagine the wonderful packaging the three Germans have made for mammoth 3 LP vinyl edition. The set list draws songs from each album in Colour Haze’s vast discography, making a pretty good case for what Colour Haze does best.

From the riffy “Get it On” to the constant crescendo in “Love,” all the way out to a mash up of “Uberall” and “Call,” Colour Haze nails this live set from front to back. Even at its two hour run time, there’s not a dull moment. It’s mixed so well that each little detail in the music can be heard, and the mix gets even better when headphones are applied. The live feeling pierces through, enhancing the flavor of these songs when compared to their studio counterparts, and thusly staking the claim that Colour Haze are masters of their craft.

Here’s to counting down the days to the next volume of this live series! Cheers to you, Colour Haze!

“Live Vol. 1 – Europa Tournee” is available here

Band info: official|| facebook