review of Colours, the new single from Until 9

Review By Dave Martin

Until 9 – Colours

The Sheffield based group comprises Paul Johnson vocals/bass, Tom Spendlove on guitar and Mark Greenwood on drums. The band played two major UK festivals in 2024 at Call of the Wild and Maid of Stone as well as many others as their alter egos B.Y.O.B (a System of a Down tribute).

When asked about the new release guitarist Tom Spendlove explains “Colours is a song designed to unsettle. It moves between the heavy and the atmospheric, taking the listener on a journey that they will become invested in right up to the heavy drop and beyond. It has a hint of SOAD, but there is a darkness within the music and lyrics reminiscent of the Mad Hatter and his tea party, when the mercury poisoning finally hits home.”

The track starts with heavy guitar chugging before being displaced by staccato singing. Johnson’s distinctive vocals have some stylistic similarities to Serj Tankian (System of a Down) in places and this introduction highlights this as the guitars cut to focus on the vocals. After the intense opening the instruments are joined by ethereal backing vocals that add an additional dimension to the song.  There is a real dark chaotic feel to the release that adds to the storytelling atmosphere that is often present in Until 9 songs. The track is well layered to keep you fascinated with the band adding and subtracting instruments to alter the emphasis to trigger distinct emotions. As a listener you certainly feel as though you have been through a journey through this song.    

This track is expected on the bands forthcoming album, and I wait with anticipation for its release. Until 9 is an up-and-coming band that are destined for the big time so go and see them while they are still playing smaller venues.

Their next two gigs are:

25th January                        The Arches Venue, Coventry

8th February                        Blind Pig, Sowerby

The track is out for release on 17January.