They formed in 2002, taking their name from a Boards Of Canada song and had early UK-only single releases Decisions Decisions and Cut It both just sneaked into the UK top 100.
Their 2004 debut album, Pearl Necklace, was highly praised both in UK music press and online, and helped to expand the group's international fanbase. Despite supporting acts such as Idlewild, Biffy Clyro, Silverchair and Placebo and playing festivals in Japan and Europe in 2003-2004, the quartet's album did not perform as well as they had hoped for.
Single releases following the album's launch included download-only Italics, The Exile EP and A Pearl Necklace For Her Majesty.
Bass player Thom Craigen left the band to pursue other interests in early 2005, and was replaced by the band's guitar technician, Mike Newsham. However, following a short European tour, Colour of Fire split after playing Download Festival in 2005.
The band reformed in 2022 with their original line-up, and have been working on new material. They are set to play their first gig in 18 years in December 2023.
Band members:
Owen Richards (guitar, vocals)
Stuart Jones (guitar, vocals)
Matt Lunn (drums)
Thom Craigen (bass 2002-2005, 2022-)
Mike Newsham (bass - 2005)
Where are they now:
Owen went on to form several Leeds-based bands: Grammatics (2006-2010), Department M (2011-2016), and his current band (aside from CoF), Too Much Future.
Stu has several ongoing projects, including die Zerstörten and House Of Spiders.
Matt Lunn worked with Placebo and Shed Seven's Rick Witter, as well as joining Yorkie electro outfit The Officers.
Thom continues to write and play with new band, Modern Day Chicane.
Robot rock
Colour of Fire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can't sweat it out through nightmares or dreams, is there anybody out there?
It surfaces your anxieties, brings out all the hate that you've got,
reminds you of the love that you've lost
I'll keep my sword in, my wretched sword in this feels like a warning
I'll keep my sword in, My wretched sword in this feels like a warning
No vaccine can protect you from me, no inoculation.
It surfaces your anxieties, Your falling down to your knees,
Clutching at that one memory.
Open up wide, 'cause its coming!
I'll keep my sword in, my wretched sword in this feels like a warning
I'll keep my sword in, my wretched sword in this feels like a warning
I'll keep my sword in, my wretched sword in this feels like a warning
I'll keep my sword in, my wretched sword in this feels like a warning
"Robot Rock" by Colour of Fire is a song that reflects on the spread of a destructive infection. The opening lines of the song establish the severity of the situation, describing the infection as "contagious as hell" and claiming that the symptoms are obvious to those who observe them. The lyrics go on to suggest that the infection brings about negative emotions, such as hate and anxiety, as well as reminding the individual of the love that they've lost. The idea of the infection manifesting itself through dreams and nightmares creates a sense of powerlessness over something that is insidious and elusive.
The chorus expresses a sense of caution and readiness to fight, with the repetition of the phrase "I'll keep my sword in, my wretched sword in, this feels like a warning." The meaning behind this could be interpreted as a defense mechanism against the infection, keeping one's metaphorical "sword" sheathed and prepared for any potential attack. The second verse continues to paint a bleak picture of the infection, likening it to a "saddle on your back" that rides you and brings you to your knees.
Overall, the song suggests that this infection is relentless and powerful, but perhaps avoidable or preventable with the right mindset and preparation. It is a warning to be vigilant against anything that might bring negativity and chaos into one's life.
Line by Line Meaning
This infection is contagious as hell, I can see the symptoms.
The spread of this sickness is incredibly infectious and obvious in its symptoms.
You can't sweat it out through nightmares or dreams, is there anybody out there?
This illness cannot be cured through any physical or mental efforts, prompting feelings of desperation and isolation.
It surfaces your anxieties, brings out all the hate that you've got, reminds you of the love that you've lost
This disease reveals all of your fears, amplifies your negativity, and painfully reminds you of your lost and unfulfilled emotions.
I'll keep my sword in, my wretched sword in this feels like a warning
I will hold back my own destructive tendencies as a precautionary measure.
The saddle on your back is a seat, for this disease to ride you.
This disease takes control over you and becomes a burden that you cannot escape.
No vaccine can protect you from me, no inoculation.
There is no preventative measure that can keep this disease from infecting you.
It surfaces your anxieties, Your falling down to your knees, Clutching at that one memory.
This illness brings all of your insecurities to the surface, causing you to physically and emotionally break down and cling to one specific memory.
Open up wide, 'cause its coming!
Prepare yourself, because the disease is coming.
I'll keep my sword in, my wretched sword in this feels like a warning
I will continue to exercise caution and control to prevent any potential harm.
I'll keep my sword in, my wretched sword in this feels like a warning
I will remain vigilant and mindful of my actions to protect myself and those around me.
I'll keep my sword in, my wretched sword in this feels like a warning
I will continue to hold myself back, as the potential consequences are too dangerous to ignore.
I'll keep my sword in, my wretched sword in this feels like a warning
I will be cautious and hesitant, recognizing that the presence of this disease poses a significant risk to my well-being.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Mathew Laurence Lunn, Owen Brinley Richards, Stuart Steven Jones, Thomas David Craigen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind