Zoe Schwarz, Rob Koral and Friends

'Colourful House' finds Zoe Schwarz, Rob Koral and their close-knit band delivering a warmly crafted blend of Blues, Jazz-inflected vocals and Soul-rooted grooves. The record feels natural and unhurried, shaped by musicians who know how to let each song speak for itself while keeping a unified tone.

The opener 'Venus A’int So Far Away' sets the blueprint. Schwarz’s expressive, Jazz-informed phrasing sits comfortably alongside Koral’s wah-soaked guitar work, giving the track a Blues feel touched with Gospel warmth. Hammond organ colours the edges and the occasional hint of Funk brings a lively spark that carries through the album.

'Your Love Hurts' highlights Schwarz’s depth as a vocalist, moving into a cooler, moodier space that gives the song a modern emotional pull. The band keep the arrangement spacious and supportive, allowing the vocal to lead with clarity.

The energy then shifts into a grittier space with 'Hear My Cries', which carries a distinctive echo of Muddy Waters’s 'Still a Fool.' Its earthy pulse introduces a welcome dose of traditional Blues character before the album opens back out into more exploratory moods.

That pivot arrives with 'House of Colours', which softens the atmosphere with Schwarz’s warm, breathy vocal and a gently whimsical lyric. It stands as one of the album’s most inviting moments, demonstrating how naturally the band move between grit and tenderness.

From here the broader influences continue to surface. 'What Can I Do' pushes forward with rhythmic swagger that feels both vintage and fresh. 'Out The Front Door' leans into a funkier seventies groove, while 'Watching the World' contrasts reflective verses with an unexpectedly bright and uplifting chorus. Later in the sequence, 'City of Blues' arrives with a clean and relaxed introduction that subtly recalls the smooth confidence of Dire Straits, underscoring the group’s ease with weaving Blues, Pop and Soul textures together.

Across 'Colourful House', Schwarz, Koral and friends move with assurance between styles while keeping the Blues spirit central. It is a cohesive, warm and quietly adventurous album that rewards repeated listening.

Ivan De Mello