Review Summary: The rascal steps out of the shadow, but the monkey is not yet off his back.
The name may not be instantly familiar to those outside of the U.K, but at just 25 years of age, Miles Kane has already achieved a lot during his short career in the music industry. The charismatic Merseysider began as a guitarist for The Little Flames, before taking the reins as front-man of over-hyped quartet The Rascals. Kane's most significant break however, was when he joined forces with Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys) and James Ford (Simian Mobile Disco) to form the critically acclaimed outfit The Last Shadow Puppets. Clearly a man who is not fond of stagnation, it is now time for Miles Kane to step out of the shadows of his former band-mates and release his debut solo effort... But, despite early indications suggesting that going it alone may indeed be Kane's calling, 'Colour of the Trap' does not yet get the monkey off his back.
Had you not realized from the portrait adorning the album cover, there is something very old-fashioned about this Scouser. From his smart-dressing fashion sense to the Beatles-like mop-top haircut, Kane is a connoisseur of all things retro. There is a heavy 60s influence running through 'Colour of the Trap', whether it be of the garage rock'n'roll, sun-drenched pop, or psychedelic rock variety. Initially, the modernizing of this sound is spot on, with 'Come Closer' being the album's highlight. From its gritty riff to the bluesy solo, and from the confident swagger of its verses to the infectiously poppy chorus, the opener acts as an exhilarating mission statement where the mix of elements come together seamlessly. The funky 'Rearrange' then follows, bouncing along enjoyably like the most melodic of 60s pop-rock. Later, the alluringly fuzzy riff of lead single 'Inhaler' and pretty harmonies of irresistible toe-tapper 'Quicksand', satisfyingly follow the lead of the album's opening duo respectively.
Despite 'Colour of the Trap' being a solo record, Miles Kane has called in a few favors from some notable collaborators. Alex Turner co-writes half of the LP, while Super Furry Animals front-man Gruff Rhys lends a hand writing, producing and providing backing vocals. Noel Gallagher also chimes in on the plodding 'My Fantasy', while French actress Clemence Poesy supplies her vocals to the sultry, but otherwise nondescript 'Happenstance'. The production on this album (whether it be from Rhys, Dan Carey, Craig Silvey or Dan the Automator) is often exquisite, allowing a diverse style of rhythms to lay a solid foundation for each track. The variety on offer here is also sufficient, with some Kasabian-like psychedelia infiltrating the album's mid-section. It works best on 'Better Left Invisible', but feels out of place on the tribalistic 'Kingcrawler'. The most ill-fitting track however, is the incredibly dated Mediterranean stylings of 'Take the Night From Me'.
Considering the past releases which Miles Kane has been associated with, it is difficult to view 'Colour of the Trap' as a debut recording. Yet, that is exactly how it plays out, with the young singer-guitarist clearly still finding his feet. Not looking to reinvent the wheel by any means, his reverence of the authentic 60s sound is both a strength and weakness. Accessible and falling on the right side of the derivative ledger, there is a sense that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Yet, 'Colour of the Trap' too often falls short of going to the next level and captivating an audience. It's back half especially, does not have enough songwriting depth to make its tunes anything more than pleasant background music... And until that aspect of his music improves, Kane may have been better served to load up on his under-rated guitar nous, which too fleetingly beguiles on this ultimately promising solo offering.
Recommended Tracks: Come Closer, Rearrange & Inhaler.
