In Color has not slowed down for a beat, continuing to ride their musical high with their latest single, “Jet Lag Mouth.” With sparks of electronic detailing and sensitively-charged lyrics, “Jet Lag Mouth” makes emotion catchy. In Color is not only paving their own way through the indie/alt-pop scene — they’re jumping into it with zero hesitation and full authenticity.
The four-piece — Matthew Hastings (vocals), Holden Clontz (bass), Val Hoyt (synth/keys) and Miles Laderman (drums) — found inspiration together from Nashville’s pumping alternative scene. Their debut EP, Snow Day, encapsulates their bond and the effect it has on their songwriting, with the title referencing the group being snowed-in together from a brutal snowstorm in early 2024, solidifying their found talent. Before their EP dropped, In Color did not hold back on their 2025 debut single, “Headlights,” with it now having 12 million plays on Spotify. The band’s gravitating mixture of multi-layered soundscapes, nostalgia-infused energy and their natural ability to evoke connection are what has made them such a standout to their growing number of supporters, and “Jet Lag Mouth” is only pushing the boundaries on their evolving sound.
Listeners’ ears are immediately peaked after the opening electric guitar strums and cymbal hit, and a set of quick and light techno taps drops into the song’s encompassing energy. Intention courses through the track, with a subtle muffled echo in the verses creating an atmospheric pull, while small sonic detail thread together to form a memorable blanket of sounds. Hastings’ vocals are controlled, yet romanticized when softening his voice on ending-lyric words, making the phrases linger just a little bit longer.
Emotional experience drips from each of the band’s songs; they’ve harnessed their talent for creating a genuine, lived-in sound, and “Jet Lag Mouth” is no different. Lines like, “Did you run from what you found?” and “See your life in the kiss / Of a jet lag mouth” feel both close to home and universally resonant. The song remains poetically open-ended enough for listeners to take and apply it to their own life, while still holding a cohesive story that In Color feels and expresses on a personal level.
Despite the engaging beat and deep feeling that coats the song, there’s a natural softness and introspection that exudes from the track. A wave of emotional awareness and understanding rides each note, evoking a soul-provoking atmosphere. The drum hits stabilize the glitter of techno beats; this glitter shines in the chorus and hangs back during the verses to let the vocals and storytelling have their spotlight. Meanwhile, the quick consistency of electric guitar adds a grainy background effect, bringing in that live, tour-ready sound, especially as the band has hinted that this track will be played every night on their headlining U.S. tour.
Most commonly, artists will pick up an acoustic or sit down at the piano when executing a song with this emotional landscape, but In Color chose to utilize the glimmer of electronic elements — and it works strikingly well. The subtle contrast feels at home with the song’s journey and smooth vocals, providing a modern sound without losing its intimacy.
The bridge offers a tender layer to the track, dipping down into a lower, reflective vocal tone. It’s a moment that settles you into a shared emotion, even as the production continues to shimmer underneath. With its warm, airy ending, “Jet Lag Mouth” doesn’t force a resolution upon you, it simply offers a space to sit with the feelings and with the notes.
As In Color continue to find inspiration on their tour, supporters can expect new songs that will pack an even bigger punch when played live. If the same passion and intention that is heard on “Jet Lag Mouth” weaves its way into their upcoming songs, then In Color’s bond and journey as a band will only grow to strengthen — making it hard for anyone to ignore them.
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