A modern ballad that’s rough around the edges – an ode to indescribable feelings – “Undiscovered Colours” is Florentenes’ attempt to bottle and make tangible the intense moments that define life and love.

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Stream: “Undiscovered Colours” – Florentenes

Delving into a more considered approach than their usual ebullient sound, Bolton boys Florentenes express the inexpressible on “Undiscovered Colours” – a steady-paced, impassioned piece that drips slick with all the energy of some of Northern England’s most enjoyable guitar sounds. An ode to those moments you can’t quite put into words, this song is a fervent and worthy introduction to an up-and-coming group of musicians.

Released in late March and featured on the band’s third EP Breaking News (out now), “Undiscovered Colours” has that vital teenage feel to it, a raw and unfiltered look at intangible, indescribable emotions. Frontman William Train Smith wrote it when he was just 17, explaining that, “It’s about how harsh the world can be, especially to good people, and those feelings you can’t even put into words. The idea of an ‘undiscovered colour’ is something impossible to describe, like a certain kind of ache.”

This sentiment certainly rings true throughout the song. It might be about lovers, or best friends, or even just a wonderful day you wish you could come back to. That giddiness when you remember how you felt. “Undiscovered Colours” is an ode to those perfect feelings, the ones that seem to disperse into the ether the more you try to grasp at them.

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“And it aches – just like two lovers” is the chorus line, assertive as it is vulnerable, a repeated paean to the song’s core concept. It’s about experiencing emotion so strong it manifests physically, something we can all hark back to experiencing in the most intense moments of our lives. It’s a simple and precious image, one which doesn’t feel forced or dull through repetition. Understand this line and you’ll get the rest – it’s about those transcendent times where you might not even be fully there in the moment.

The production and in-studio direction on this piece are particularly special – catching the nuances of the Lancashire accent on the end of sentences, the roughened edge to the bass track, the splashy cymbals, these are all elements that might get smoothed over most of the time, but legendary producer Dave Eringa made sure to keep the soul in this song. It makes all the difference, as Florentenes are a band full of power and pathos. This is not the super-cool NYC sound. It’s passionate, and deserves to bulge at the seams with imperfections.

Breaking News - Florentenes — Breaking News – Florentenes

In many ways, Florentenes are only just beginning. They’re doing what all new acts should be doing, and that is touring relentlessly.

Through this, they’re building a dedicated fanbase and a reputation for energetic live shows. There’s a heart-clutching authenticity to their sound which will make even the steeliest-faced listener soften up and force a smile. For a band only just into their adulthood, that’s really saying something; they appear accomplished and mature in ways that guys 10 years their senior can only dream of.

“Undiscovered Colours” plays with our expectations; it’s a song which denies the listener the usual structure and musical cues you’d expect. Opportunities for the big drop are passed over, toyed with, and teased. The band come back from the brink a couple of times to allow a clean guitar break, with the vocals filling up the room once more after a little peek behind the curtain. This freshens and invigorates the sound. There’s a moment where Train Smith goes full pelt with a big bruising “Yeah!” and every part of your body expects a drop – but you have to wait a few seconds before the wave crashes. It’s beautifully intricate in that way, messing with established concepts of songwriting to give the song freshness and life.

Florentenes © 2026 — Florentenes © Sam Crowston

What’s captivating on repeated listens is how deceptively stripped back this song actually is. There’s no big guitar solo, no face-gurning riffs, just basic melodies to back that monumental chorus line. By the end, the band are mixing it up with backing vocals following different lines, as the song comes to a close. It’s a journey, one which appears to outstrip its runtime and lingers for days. It’s a testament to the ability of this fledgling band that they can produce such an accomplished piece so early in their career.

Florentenes’ third EP Breaking News is out now, including “Undiscovered Colours,” the previously-featured indie rock anthem “Madeline,” and more fired-up bangers from one of the UK’s most exciting rising bands. Already brimming with power and raw potential, Florentenes are undeniable ones to watch – a band you’ll be glad you discovered early.

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