Last Friday former Wrens lynchpin, Charles Bissell released his first new music in a little over two decades. Bissell returned under his new moniker, Car Colors and armed with the staggering Old Death 12″ on the newly re-christened Absolutely Kosher Records. Perhaps an overshare, but on very first listen I became a bit emotional over the track’s absolute power, beauty and how much I connected with all 7 minutes of it. Music indeed can heal and in dealing with the aftermath of losing a sibling to cancer this track provides a shot in the arm and much needed respite in an otherwise difficult and dark time. Also, he would’ve fucking loved it.

A sequel of sorts to The Meadowlands according to it’s creator. Within Old Death, Bissell references his 2016 battle with cancer and the contentious break up of The Wrens with the lyrical jab “if the meadow lends itself to war”. The track begins with a singular chiming guitar and Bissell’s familiar warm vocal delivery that slowly gains momentum and buoyancy via a full array of instrumentation, massive hooks, and a soring chorus. According to a recent press release Bissell states that Old Death is a fair representation of Car Colors 2024 impending full length. Old Death addresses life’s darker side while making it sound like victory. A most triumphant return of a singular artist

Listen/own: Old Death + And It’s All Guns and Arrows (alt. take)/ I’ll Bear (non album track)