The Color Fred

The Color Fred is the primary solo vehicle for Fred Mascherino, established during his tenure as the lead guitarist and co-vocalist of Taking Back Sunday. Formed in 2003 but fully realized after his 2007 departure from the band, the project represents a shift toward melodic indie rock and power-pop.

The debut album, 'Bend to Break,' was produced by Lou Giordano, bringing a seasoned alternative rock sheen to Mascherino's songwriting. Culturally, the project occupies a unique space as a 'bridge' artist, connecting the explosive Long Island emo scene with a more sustainable, environmentally conscious indie-rock lifestyle. Mascherino famously integrated green initiatives into the project, from recycled packaging to veggie-oil-powered tour vehicles. Musically, the sound is defined by Mascherino's technical proficiency on guitar, featuring cleaner tones and more complex arrangements than his previous work. While the project went on a long hiatus after 2009, its 2020s revival showed a shift toward a more mature, slightly more experimental indie sound while maintaining the core melodicism that defined his early career.