The Color Fred: Bend to Break

The Indie Review

By Sean Duregger
March 28, 2008

Artist: The Color Fred
Album: Bend To Break
Label: Equal Vision Records
Rating:

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Overshadowed and put on the back burner due to the success of Taking Back Sunday, Fred Mascherino’s solo project The Color Fred has finally seen the light of day. This was a project that Fred had in mind even before joining up with Taking Back Sunday, but kept getting pushed back due to an increase in touring commitments with his current band. In October of 2007, Fred announced his departure from Taking Back Sunday to explore and write music he’s passionate about. With Taking Back Sunday becoming more of a Rock outfit, Fred wanted to explore and write more Pop songs than Rock songs. Fred’s vision has come to fruition with The Color Fred and shows us both the familiar as well as some unexpected treasures with Bend To Break.

Bend To Break is a collection of songs that can be considered “Rock influenced Pop.” There’s no denying Fred’s Rock background with Taking Back Sunday, but Bend To Break offers an avenue to explore some more subtle and emotional pop songs. Get Out borders Taking Back Sunday and there’s not denying if you’re a fan, you’ll recognize Fred’s distinct voice. But, The Color Fred breaks the mold on songs like Empty House, It Isn’t Me and I’ll Never Know explore a softer, more vulnerable side to Fred’s song writing. Fred’s vocals are spot on and memorable and distinct. It’s a shame it’s taken him so long to ditch being a background vocal.

Producer Lou Giordano (Sugar, Paul Westerberg, Sunny Day Real Estate) was behind the scenes on Bend To Break and it shows why Lou is considered a legend by those who have worked with him. The album sounds stellar and Lou’s production and guidance help the album flow naturally and evenly. There’s always a fine line between an overproduced album and a lackluster album. Sometimes producers go crazy and orchestrate arrangements to songs that can never translate live. It’s pretty safe to say that most the instruments and arrangements you hear on the album, you’ll hear live and they will sound comparable, if not better.

Bend To Break is a great introduction to Fred Mascherino’s songwriting and budding solo career. It’s an album full of catchy pop-rock songs and beautiful heartfelt moments. The Color Fred aren’t breaking any new ground with the genre, but adding a great piece of work that’s worth checking out.

Stand Out Tracks:

“If I Surrender”

“It Isn’t Me”

“I Didn’t See”