With their latest release, “Heavy Pulp,” The Technicolors add grit to the sweetness, giving their sound weight, texture, and something to hold onto.
Electric guitars drift in and out of focus, anchored by steady rhythms and tension that keep each track from settling too comfortably. Frontman Brennan Smiley’s vocals balance restraint and release, while the production feels both polished and intentionally worn in. From start to finish, the record is full of substance beneath the surface, revealing new layers with each listen.
Phoenix indie rock band The Technicolors joined In The Groove to talk about their latest record, their evolving creative process, and their connection to Michigan ahead of their upcoming show.
Smiley says “Heavy Pulp” was built on collaboration and focus. “It was good to have a set amount of time where we could all be together… just get in the studio and be a band,” he said. That approach marked a shift from their previous album, which he called “a pandemic Frankenstein,” pieced together across different sessions and circumstances.
This time around, the band leaned into being fully present. From implementing a “no phone in the studio” mindset to avoiding direct musical references during writing, their process was intentionally stripped back. “It just changes the level of presence,” Smiley explained. “You get more ideas, that’s what you’re there to do.”
That sense of experimentation also came from looking beyond traditional influences. Instead of drawing directly from other artists, Smiley found inspiration in unexpected places. “I actually wasn’t really listening to a ton of music. I was really into Radiolab podcasts, they feel like little movies with just sound,” he said, pointing to the band’s ongoing interest in cinematic textures and atmosphere.
Still, the foundation of The Technicolors’ sound can be traced back to classic influences. Smiley cited Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and The Beatles as formative artists, adding, “That was kind of my teenage guitar-player starter pack.” He also highlighted The Dark Side of the Moon as a lasting inspiration: “It’s still maybe my all-time favorite album; it just kept on giving.”
With family ties to the Detroit area and a long-awaited return to Michigan, the band is especially excited to reconnect with audiences. “It’s been a minute since we’ve played in Michigan… we’re excited to come back,” Smiley said. The Technicolors will be performing at The Blind Pig in Ann Arbor on March 20.
Listen to In The Groove with host Ryan Patrick Hooper weekdays from noon-3 p.m. ET on 101.9 WDET or stream on-demand at wdet.org.
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