Colossal's Pat Ford can't really sing. I qualify the statement because I think musically, Colossal is astounding and does a great job of weaving in a strong jazz influence in their grad-school-y indie rock. Further, the standout drumming of Rob Kellenberger (of Slapstick fame... kind of) always assumes the foreground when I hear them, which is great, but it's an area Ford can't really take command of. His limitations may be exaggerated by the company he keeps. Surrounded by such highly skilled musicians, Ford's vocals sound like the last selected player in a pick-up game of basketball. But, standing on the court without an auto-tuner, harmonizing vocals, or any other mediating effects, he displays vulnerability in showcasing the limitations of his natural skill. I think it speaks of confidence and a total commitment to his lyrics - he wrote them and he's singing them. I also think it's a great move by the band because, frankly, clean and well produced vocals often lack character and get boring quickly.

Colossal could never blow-up like their band-mates' other projects (The Smoking Popes, The Lawrence Arms). There was never a big, catchy hook within shouting distance of their songs and their instrumentation, while beautiful and well written, was not exactly hummable. Colossal may have been relegated to the ranks of college radio and small venues from the start. Oh well. Welcome The Problems is a brilliant album and sometimes great music doesn't fall out of the radio onto your lap or take command of a massive concert hall. Maybe Colossal was so great because they knew their limitations, accepted them, and decided to play anyway.

Colossal - "Hot Probs"