ith Bend To Break, Fred Mascherino––known for his work as lead guitarist and co–vocalist/songwriter for Taking Back Sunday––has turned out one of the most exhilarating and gutsy solo projects in years. Operating under the guise of THE COLOR FRED, the first recording under his nom de rock was artfully executed with the help of legendary producer Lou Giordano (Sugar, Paul Westerberg, Sunny Day Real Estate).

A triumph in every sense, the disc finds Mascherino where he belongs––out in front and wearing his heart proudly on his sleeve. From the urgent, three–minute firecracker “Get Out” that launches Bend To Break, to the six–minute, lighter–ready opus “Don’t Pretend,” the Coatesville, PA–bred, Northern Jersey–based musician has created an accomplished and conscience–invading album. And while TBS fans will be delighted to know THE COLOR FRED is in the same musical realm, its debut doesn’t mirror the world famous band Fred Mascherino has played with since 2003.