Brilliant Colors - Introducing (2009) [Slumberland] // Grade: A

True, San Francisco’s Brilliant Colors may also be a trio of girls making punk-influenced DIY indie pop rock, but they are not a Vivian Girls rip-off band. While the Vivian Girls project a raw, grainy sound that I’ve always found largely unlistenable, Brilliant Colors are refined, melodic and edgy, influenced by the likes of Sonic Youth, Lush, The Raincoats and most of the greats of Kill Rock Stars’ heyday.

Following a stint of 7″ releases and finally settling into a lineup, the all-girl band, founded in 2007, has at long last released their debut album, fittingly titled, Introducing. At only 24 minutes long, it would be easy to write off Introducing, but Brilliant Colors do with 24 minutes what it takes most bands 48 to accomplish. Ten, under three minute tracks pack energetic shouts, melodic hooks, and accomplished guitar and drums into an album that’s equal parts loud, sweet and razor-sharp.

Jess Scott, Michelle Hill and Diane Anastasio are a lineup that simply work really well together and it’s endearing how in sync the band is across every track. “Over There” feels like the trio are playing the same notes in unison as the guitar and drums mimic Scott’s vocal cues. All the band members are equally adept on their instruments of choice, but it’s Scott’s vocal range that stands out across the release. Scott’s ability to alternate between the indignant riot grrrl shouts and wails of “Mythic” to the pop rock harmonies of opener “I Searched” and still pull out a syrupy sweet alterego on closer “Should I Tell You” illustrates an amazing range and a natural talent.

Introducing is the rare release that blindsides you, offering depth, maturity, and unbridled talent, when all you were expecting was a couple of fun tracks to tell your friends about.

- Scrooge McFuck