GENRE; 80s Rock/ Alt Rock Pop/ Art Rock/ Dark Wave/ Dream Pop/ Indie Pop
RELEASE DATE; 24 February, 2026
RATING; 4.3/5
Released on February 24, 2026, Not How You Color by The Tacet Mode arrives as an emotionally charged debut that refuses to hide behind surface-level songwriting. Guided by Brian Connolly’s introspective vision, the album explores transformation, spiritual awakening, and the difficult process of confronting the self. Across its runtime, Connolly dives into themes of twin flame relationships, narcissistic trauma, ego dissolution, and Kundalini awakening with an honesty that feels both fearless and deeply human. Rather than offering polished perfection, Not How You Color embraces vulnerability as its greatest strength.
The album balances shimmering 80s-inspired textures with modern indie rock sophistication. Drawing influence from legendary artists such as Talk Talk, David Bowie, Depeche Mode, Radiohead, and Tears for Fears, Connolly crafts a soundscape that feels nostalgic without becoming derivative. Standout single “Turn the Car Around” surges forward with glistening guitar work and driving percussion, while “Wild Country” unfolds as an atmospheric meditation filled with reflective tension and cinematic depth. The production from Alex Newport gives every track remarkable clarity, allowing emotion and texture to coexist seamlessly.
The emotional centerpiece of the album may well be “Black Honey,” whose striking lyric, “If the blemishes don’t show, the world will never know,” encapsulates the project’s entire philosophy. In an era dominated by filters, curated identities, and emotional detachment, Connolly challenges listeners to reveal their authentic selves. The message never feels preachy; instead, it resonates as a sincere invitation toward self-acceptance and genuine connection. That sincerity becomes one of the album’s defining qualities.
What makes Not How You Color especially compelling is the ambition behind it. Recorded remotely between New Jersey, California, and the UK, the project demonstrates a meticulous creative process that still feels organic and emotionally raw. Beyond the studio recordings, The Tacet Mode has expanded into a seven-piece live band supported by immersive audio-visual performances, proving Connolly’s commitment to creating meaningful artistic experiences rather than chasing trends. Not How You Color is more than a debut album—it is a bold statement of identity, vulnerability and artistic purpose.
SONGS ON ALBUM
1. Prayer
2. False Alarms
3. Black Honey
4. Nocturne Reveries
5. Infinity Mirror
6. Turn the Car Around
7. We Alone
8. There’s No Way
9. Everlasting Company
10. Can’t go on Without You
11. Real Impersonations
12. The Cosmic Joke( Photograph of US)
13. Wild Country
14. Better Day
