Color of Fate is, from left, Brandon Selvey, Michael Emerson, Marek Rosinski and Christian Johnson.
KNOXVILLE — Assembling late last year, Color of Fate's latest incarnation is still in its formative stages. With only a handful of original songs nailed down, the group fills out its sets with a wide array of cover tunes that exhibit the extent of its formidable technical ability.
An eclectic mix of well-trained musicians, Color of Fate's growing catalog of original tracks nod to a slew of varied influences that ultimately arrive at a progressive modern rock sound. Saturday will mark the band's second show, a momentum builder leading into a summer of extensive songwriting and show-booking.
Although Color of Fate is new to the scene, bassist Christian Johnson and drummer Michael "Woody" Emerson have been a tandem for more than six years, playing in Soul Pilot and Vinyl Season together before spearheading their current project. Vocalist Brandon Selvey met Fate's founders through karaoke connections, and the band was rounded out with guitar vet Marek Rosinski via Craigslist in February. The band's first gig in April was a baptism by fire, playing to a Layd Out at the Park festival audience numbering in the hundreds. Color of Fate was so impressive in its debut that the act landed a spot at next year's Morristown event.
"Our first show was amazing, but to say that I was a nervous wreck would be a drastic understatement," Selvey admits. "After the nerve started to shake off we just flowed.
"Our main goal for the summer, and the year for that matter, is to gain as much momentum and notoriety as we possibly can. Our live shows are dominated by covers, so I definitely want to spend a lot of time during the summer focusing primarily on original material."
Color of Fate's biggest appeal is its musicianship. Presenting solo-heavy material in both its original and cover offerings, the act incorporates a broad range of influences, most predominantly jazz and metal. Citing Maynard James Keenan as his favorite vocalist, Selvey's vocals combine with Emerson's rapid-fire drumming to lend a Tool-ish element atop a jazzy, Santana-reminiscent string section in the band's original tracks.
"We are a hard rock band with a multitude of influences outside that style, and we wish to pull as many into our style as we cohesively can," Selvey says. "The overall sound is a little tricky to pinpoint. We are still discovering our own sound. I would like to think that aspects of our music are constantly in a state of flux just to keep us on our toes, but we are definitely beginning to define and cultivate a unique sound.
"I think one thing that distinguishes us from most other bands in Knoxville is the fact that the band is comprised of a blues singer, a funk rock bass player, a jazz guitarist and a metal drummer, and we write progressive alternative music. It's a dream combination, really. I'm extremely lucky to be a part of it."
Color of Fate will take the stage at Roger's Place on Saturday night in what will be only its second show. The two sets will contain a mix of covers and originals, and Selvey promises a surprise. The free show kicks off at 9 p.m.
"I'm stoked about this upcoming show," notes Selvey. "Roger's Place is my stomping ground, so I'll pretty much be playing in front of people that I already consider my family. I couldn't be more excited. It's gonna be a blast."
They wear it well: Thursday night after Sundown in the City, Kevin Hyfantis and the Bishops Band performs as Rod Stewart and the Faces at Preservation Pub.
Mind over manners: The Gentleman Conspiracy joins Distant and Hey OK Fantastic for a Pilot Light gig Thursday night. The show is slated for 10 p.m. and costs $5.
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