Mac the Knife and Oliver Colors Reviewed
Mac the Knife – Outside
Rock n’ roll has always been advertised as a type of entertainment that exists on the fringes, that includes a bit of danger, that sensible people, like your parents, would disagree with you being a part of.
Because of these expectations, however, standards have had to be continuously updated. Rock n’ roll used to be Elvis’ hip shake, turned into people painting their faces and shouting and will, most likely, be built on something even more aggressive in the future.
Mac the Knife understands what rock audiences want. They want thrills, a bit of blood and, preferably, a warm ride home when it’s all done. It’s part of the human set of desires and music’s just here to provide a soundtrack.
“Outside” is a well-produced, spacious alt-rock single. It’s built on tension and on well-sung vocals. It’s poppy, but also leaves some of the rougher edges intact. It’s a song about things that people want, but find it hard to admit even to themselves.
Oliver Colors – We Waited for This?
You have to be stunned when you read the ages that most of your favourite rock stars were when they produced their best material and the records you like the most. But, if you’re a normal, functional adult, you also have to chuckle and feel kind of good about yourself, don’t you? Most of these rock stars did their best work when they were teenagers and, usually, not much afterwards.
What a terrible waste! We haven’t got the chance to hear too many of the truly iconic 90s alt-rock and grunge songwriters tell us their side of the story written from a mature perspective. We haven’t gotten to find out if things turn out alright, or if they get worse. Thankfully, Oliver Colors are here to shed some light.
The excellently titled “We Waited for This?” is sludgy, lushly produced grunge-rock made from the perspective of someone who has built a life and has had it threatened by heartbreak, divorce, and the devastating passing of time. It’s written from the perspective of disappointment. But, listen closely to it, and you’ll hear some hope mangled in there for good measure. And, most interestingly, this is the grown-up grunge song that you’ve likely never been treated to.
