Formed in August 2025, Colours of the Dark are one of London’s newest rock bands, blending post-punk and gothic rock with an evolving sound that increasingly embraces softer and jazz-inspired influences.
At the heart of the project is singer and frontwoman Chiara Rosati Colarieti, who founded the band after years of contemplating the idea.
“I spent years trying to find the courage to start a band,” Chiara explained.
“Seeing Patti Smith perform live definitely played a role, but the real turning point came when I started writing my own original songs.”
Choosing London as the band’s home was almost inevitable. Every member is based in the British capital, a city that continues to attract musicians from across the globe thanks to its thriving live music scene.
“So many people come to London from all over the world to form bands and make music,” said Chiara.
“There’s no other place with such an active rock scene – perhaps only New York comes close.”
The band’s lineup reflects the connections and coincidences that often define London’s music community.
Alongside Chiara, who writes all the lyrics and usually composes the music by developing ideas on her laptop, the group features James Sebastian on guitar, George Hammond on bass, Sebastian Lowton on drums, and Bryce Brittain-Dissont on keyboards.
Each member joined the project through different paths. George was already known to Chiara from her previous work as a music journalist, during which she had interviewed him.
James and Sebastian were introduced through her former partner, himself a member of a rock band, while Bryce entered the picture after a chance meeting during a night out in Camden.
Musically, Colours of the Dark draw inspiration from artists such as Patti Smith and Nick Cave, influences that often lead audiences to compare their sound to those iconic figures.
Their live performances usually conclude with a cover of a song by either artist, paying tribute to two of their greatest inspirations.
The band currently has eight original songs in its repertoire and is actively writing new material. For Chiara, some of the most exciting moments happen during rehearsals.
She said: “It’s incredibly rewarding when we improvise a song together and immediately realise that it works.”
Although still at the beginning of their journey, Colours of the Dark have already begun building a reputation on London’s live circuit, performing in intimate venues and pubs – the same stages where many legendary artists once started.
Looking ahead, the band plans to reunite in August to develop more original material and record their first official releases.
“Our goal is to become as big as we possibly can,” Chiara said.
“It’s true that our genre isn’t the most popular at the moment, but I genuinely believe that good music will always find its audience, sooner or later.”
With a growing catalogue of original songs, a distinctive artistic vision, and London’s vibrant rock scene as their backdrop, Colours of the Dark are steadily carving out their place among the city’s emerging bands.
Feature image courtest of Olly Bromidge with thanks
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