Ever hear of the expression the bees' knees? Well, I'm going to go ahead and use it to describe this Arizona quartet.

Pulsating with loud rock 'n' roll rifts, The Technicolors are coming full steam ahead with an impressive new sound and tour. The sophomore album, Listener, came out a few days ago on June 19, and is one of those albums you play on loop all day. Their sound is a bit hard to pinpoint due to the sheer amount of different influences that the album reflects. They have an amazing ability to weave loud rock 'n' roll rhythm with Southern guitar twangs. It even hits a British sound that works with everything seamlessly. How they pull it off without confusing the audience is a mystery to me.

"Sweet Time" is the first single off the album, and it immediately catches your ear with its heavy guitar and vibrant sound, reminiscent of Led Zepplin and Jet. My personal favorite is "Fake a Smile," which starts off slow, just simple piano keys and a guitar. It has its rough and wild moments, and then gets quiet and is drowned out... only to build steadily back to the rock guitar that dominates the album. A perfect combination to my ears -- plus, it gives the indication that this band knows how to hook their listeners.

While this review is mainly about their new work, their first album, Who You Are, is not to be missed. It is a more of an acoustic rock album that caters to their softer side, which shows just how versatile they are. While I do love the new sound they are currently playing, I do suggest giving "City Where you Sleep" and "To Love" a whirl. These two songs are simply gorgeous.

Oh, did I mention the album was produced by 22-year-old lead singer Brennan Smiley?

Talk about talent.

Upcoming Shows

July 4 - Green Valley Park - Payson, AZ

July 5 - Green Room - Flagstaff, AZ

July 6 - Roxy - Scottsdale, AZ

Tracks by The Technicolors