A winter storm in early 2024 sparked more than a few jam sessions for four Nashville friends, instead planting the seed for what would become In Color. After spending that weekend snowed in, Holden Clontz, Matthew Hastings, Val Hoyt, and Miles Laderman recognized the creative chemistry that would soon define their sound. That spark eventually evolved into Snow Day, their debut EP and first release since their recent signing with Big Loud Rock Records. Out now, the six-song collection is a polished introduction from a band whose ambitions stretch far beyond that impromptu weekend.
Built on layered melodies and clean, modern production, Snow Day blends alt-pop energy with the heart of a band playing like they’ve known each other for years. The result is a sound that feels both carefully constructed yet effortless—an early indicator that In Color’s strength lies not just in their hooks, but in how naturally they deliver them.
All six tracks clock in under four minutes each, making the EP an easy, high-energy listen that flies by in a quick alt-pop burst. Each song is built for singing along, carried by instantly memorable melodies. However, it also explores its pop realm in subtle yet effective ways.
The second track, “Headlights,” the band’s breakout single, rides on a simple, propulsive beat that immediately makes you nod along, a reminder of how powerful directness can be when paired with smart writing. “Time,” builds from a gentle, emotive beginning into a fiery pop anthem. “Liar” adds a bit of edge, its shimmering guitar riffs pushing the band closer to a rock aesthetic without losing their polished pop sensibility.
Album closer, “Is There Anyone?” shifts gears entirely, layering fuzzed-out vocals and an electro-pop texture that stands apart from the rest. On first listen it might feel slightly disconnected from the EP’s central sound, but not in a way that detracts. If anything, it shows a young band testing their range. And, if the entire record leaned in that sonic direction, it would still be a strong collection on its own terms.
Snow Day captures a band still shaping its identity yet already displaying the focus and confidence of a group that knows where it wants to go. It’s polished enough to showcase their songwriting and sonic cohesion, yet open-ended enough to suggest future growth.
With upcoming tour dates supporting The Band CAMINO and a headline slot at Chicago’s Beat Kitchen in November, In Color is stepping out from a snowstorm’s spark into something much larger. Snow Day may be a quick hitter, but it’s an early sign that the band’s trajectory is anything but fleeting.
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