Colony House

$presenter.firstNameGroupName Colony House

When I Was Younger, the debut album from Colony House, which dropped in the summer of 2014, handles familiar themes like growing up, loving and losing love, fear, grief, and negative perceptions of self worth (often with a unique subtext of Christian faith). Though each of these themes are dealt with in a balanced manner, Colony House is strongest lyrically and musically when they sing and play about grief – a subject and stature apparently familiar to front-man and main lyricist, Caleb Chapman. Throughout their songs, Colony House resolves to face life with hope in one hand and despair in the other as both are lifted in dedicated surrender, but not defeat. The songs "Silhouettes" and "Keep On Keeping On" are driven, direct anthems to youth and living dangerously (think YOLO, but more responsible/cooler). "Caught Me By Surprise" and "Won't Give Up" function as meditations on proper love and devotion. "Moving Forward" and "Glorious" demonstrate the tough juxtaposition of struggle and despair in the present, but optimism and momentum toward the future.

Though their lyrics are insightful, touching, and clever, their musical style and vibe is equally magnetic. They are champions of the indie-pop sound. Their songs have catchy hooks and structure. They are smooth, groovy, and catchy, but also balanced and submissive to allow their lyrics an equal voice.

More than specifics of lyrics and melody, however, Colony House seems to approach music and songwriting with more in mind. In an interview with TeenVogue magazine, Colony House said, "We want to have a conversation with our listeners—our music should make them feel, while getting to know Colony House. And, hopefully the music will sound fresh, new, and original." This perspective is helpful – they don't just want to sound cool; they want to connect. Colony House is writing music to express what is going on inside a person. They are producing music to help their listeners reflect on and process emotions and feelings. Perhaps they are sharing their music with an audience because they realize that life is a journey best traveled with companions. Perhaps they understand the importance of shared experience and wish to extend an invitation to their listeners – they wish to extend that invitation to you.

Colony House plays good music well, but they also talk about difficult things in accessible ways. I hope it will be evident that Colony House is not a band that plays music for themselves only. They play music because it is their way of starting and sharing a conversation – a conversation about love, loss, and growing up. Sometimes there are things too hard to speak and too important to forget. Colony House has put some of those things into song. I hope your ears are open and your mind is prepared to process. I hope you have enough room to be still and enough room to dance.

- Mike Lentz

Presentations at Calvin University

Colony House + COIN
Wednesday, October 7, 2015 08:00:00 PM
Covenant Fine Arts Center Auditorium

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