Colony House – ‘Only the Lonely’ album review

Emerging from within their subdued musical genre and accompanied by stripped-down instrumentation, the American indie rock quartet Colony House released their second studio album, “Only The Lonely,” on Jan. 13.

The band keeps to their original form of guitar-based rock alongside their alternative-styled rhythm. Influenced by alt-rock bands like U2 and Cold War Kids, Colony House combines elements of the genre to create their own unique spin on alternative rock. Progressing from their previous album, “When I Was Younger” and three self-released EPs, the band utilizes unique reflective and introspective themes that are present through their work.

The first single, “You Know It,” speaks of returning home after living out present dreams. Not consumed with the idea of money or dismayed the sensation of feelings running low, the end shows one’s awaiting love back home. Before departing, the reassuring stance of  “we’ll be back before you know, you know it,” depicting the meaning behind adventure and future aspirations extraordinarily through its Beach Boys-esque vibe. With its uplifting implication and energized tempo, the single displays the album’s overarching characteristics remarkably, without over-saturating it broader scope.       

“Remembered For” eloquently portrays the concept of being remembered for something great. While “my days are numbered, but numbers only matter so much,” the person’s time alive is the clear opportunity obtain recognition. With its guitar riffs and emphasized drumming, “Remembered For” reveals the message behind the lyrics in a classical alternative rock sound while still encompassing the themes everyday life and accomplishment spectacularly. Keeping the rhythm fun and uplifting, the songs exhibits the underlying tone of using every moment to be remembered flawlessly.

“1234” portrays the notion of constantly changing aspects of life within a relationship, yet the affection remains the same every time as each facet continues to foster a new realization. Continuing the trend of dreams altered and both ups and downs of the mutual connection, the endearments towards the other never changes. Kept alive by the excited speed and heavier drum-based rhythm, “1234” exhibits the element of reflection marvelously while amalgamating parts of the bands themes of introspection and a bittersweet partnership. While definitely one of the albums more rock oriented songs, the message created by the lyrics is captured within the beat and vocals.  

Together with its multitude of motifs and true indie rock sound, Colony House presented another chapter in their musical career marked by their fantastic instrumental evolvement and lyrical simplicity. As each song incorporates the ideas the band showcased in their preceding work while merging under the over encompassing aspects of their current work, “Only The Lonely” provides an excellent continuation to the quartet’s original style and creativity.