[Locals Only] The Colourist Are Already Local Favourites

Local Favourites

The Colourist in black and white

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It’s a bit disarming to see a band from Orange County spell their name with the U.K. spelling of the word “colorist.” Maybe it’s a warning sign to some obnoxious level of pretentiousness, like an American affecting an accent after marrying a Brit, Gwyneth Paltrow-style. Thankfully, there’s nothing too ostentatious in the Colourist’s music: uptempo pop rock destined to spark an intellectual dance party.

The Colourist came together last October. Guitarist Adam Castilla and drummer Maya Tuttle were both in the band Paper Thin Walls, who in late 2007 won the “Dream Gig” contest, with the prize being a spot playing the VIP after-party following Led Zeppelin’s December 2007 reunion concert in London. Perhaps that exposure helped the Colourist (rounded out by bassist Kollin Johannsen and Justin Wagner; all four members sing) to attract the kind of early success they’ve had so far. They’ve opened up for Montreal’s Clues (featuring ex-Arcade Fire and ex-Unicorns players), finished a four-song self-titled EP, and will release said EP through their own headlining show at the Yost Theater.

It’s a big space, but judging from the EP, they’re equal to it: This is one of the most professional-sounding recordings you’ll hear from a local band. The pretty irresistible “Oh Goodbye” draws you in immediately, taking up valuable real estate in your head with the harmonized chorus, “Oh goodbye, it’s nice to know ya.” The peaceful “Fair Weather Friends” tumbles toward an unexpected crescendo, and “Yes Yes” brings some fun synth sounds to the mix. At the Yost, they’re also premiering the video for “Oh Goodbye.” Paper Thin Walls got the Led Zep gig through a video entry, so who knows what to expect? What we do know is the band promised the new clip will feature an “angry gorilla” and a bar brawl. Probably a bad time for a bathroom break.

The Colourist with Drums and Color, Free Lions and illusionist Loren Zwick at the Yost Theater, 307 N. Spurgeon St., Santa Ana; www.yosttheater.com. Fri., 8 p.m. $8; free EP with entry. All ages.

aching@ocweekly.com