By Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen
On the heels of the release of their accomplished and conscience-invading debut “Bend to Break,” The Color Fred has set new fall tour dates with Straylight Run and Dear and the Headlights. Led by vocalist Fred Mascherino, who wrote the songs and played the guitars and bass on the album, the touring band includes album contributors bassist P.J. Bond and drummer Steve Curtiss.
The CD was released Oct. 30 on Equal Vision Records and, in keeping with Mascherinos “green” lifestyle, includes a CD case made of 80% recycled cardboard and booklet made of 100% recycled material with an inlay tray made of biodegradable cornstarch.
Mascherino is best known for his work in Long Island’s Taking Back Sunday, where he became a key member as lead guitarist, co-vocalist and co-songwriter after he joined the band in 2003. After two gold-certified albums, he departed from the band last month. In a recent interview with MTV.com, he summed up his reasons for leaving Taking Back Sunday, “I felt like during the time we were together, we made some great music together, but it was getting to the point where I felt I had taken the road as long as I possibly could. I’m fully aware of the risk, but I grew up with nothing, and when I was in ninth grade, I said ‘All I want to do is play guitar for the rest of my life.’ So as long as I can play guitar, I’m happy.”
The Color Fred itinerary:
11/2 State College, PA Sozo
11/3 Towson, MD Record and Tape Traders (in-store)
11/3 Baltimore, MD The Ottobar
11/4 Philadelphia, PA FYE on South St. (in-store)
11/4 Philadelphia, PA Northstar
11/7 Lancaster, PA The Chameleon
