True Colors were a Belgian straight edge hardcore punk band formed in 2005 in Antwerp, Belgium. Active until 2010, the group became one of the most prominent European hardcore acts of the 2000s, recognized for their energetic live performances and a musical style strongly influenced by the youth crew tradition associated with bands such as Youth of Today, Turning Point, and In My Eyes. The band consisted of vocalist Olivier “Packo” Packolet, guitarist Dunk, bassist Hinkey, and drummer Kris “Peers” Peeters.
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True Colors were a Belgian straight edge hardcore punk band formed in 2005 in Antwerp, Belgium. Active until 2010, the group became one of the most prominent European hardcore acts of the 2000s, recognized for their energetic live performances and a musical style strongly influenced by the youth crew tradition associated with bands such as Youth of Today, Turning Point, and In My Eyes. The band consisted of vocalist Olivier “Packo” Packolet, guitarist Dunk, bassist Hinkey, and drummer Kris “Peers” Peeters.
The origins of True Colors trace to mid-2004, when guitarist Dunk, formerly of the Belgian hardcore band Justice, initiated a new straight edge project after a period of musical inactivity. Seeking a vocalist with experience and a strong personal commitment to straight edge ideals, he recruited Packo, previously the frontman of the hardcore band Building. The initial lineup was completed with drummer Peers and bassist Hinkey, and the group began rehearsing and composing material. Shortly after forming, the band first performed three songs during a Justice set, adopting the name True Colors immediately prior to the performance. Their first official show took place in March 2005, followed by the release of their debut demo, Get ‘Em, in the same year.
In January 2006, the band recorded material for a six-song self-titled EP, released through Not Just Words Records. They continued to expand their reputation through frequent touring across Europe, known for high-intensity performances and audience participation. During this period, the group contributed songs to the Light the Fuse and Hustler compilation releases.
True Colors recorded their debut full-length album, Focus on the Light, which was released by Powered Records on March 10, 2007 in both CD and vinyl formats. The record release show at De Lintfabriek in Lier sold out, and the first pressing of the album sold rapidly, reinforcing the band’s status within the European hardcore scene. The group continued extensive touring throughout Europe and North America, performing at events including United Blood Fest and React! Fest. International reception was generally positive; performances in Russia in particular were noted by band members as a significant highlight due to notable audience enthusiasm and familiarity with the band’s material.
In early 2010, after five years of continuous writing, recording, and touring, the band decided collectively to disband. Members cited the physical demands of the genre, the difficulty of maintaining an intensive schedule alongside personal responsibilities, and a sense of having achieved more than they ever expected. At the time, Packo had recently become a father, which influenced his decision to step back from full-time touring. Despite the breakup, their final run of shows was regarded by the members as some of their best. The final True Colors performance on May 22, 2010 in Mol drew a highly emotional response from fans and closed with the release of their final EP, Consider It Done, which Packo described as the band’s strongest work, both musically and lyrically. In interviews surrounding the final show, Packo described the band’s touring history, studio output, and internal relationships positively, emphasizing the absence of major interpersonal conflict among members: "We’ve accomplished more than we ever dreamt of… It’s been an amazing experience for the past five to six years."
True Colors are remembered as one of the most important Belgian hardcore punk bands of their era, often credited with helping rejuvenate the straight edge youth crew movement in Europe during the 2000s. Their music emphasized positivity, unity, authenticity, and personal conviction—encapsulated in their recurring message to “focus on the light.”
There are multiple artists tracked as "True Colors" on last.fm. The following are listed in order of prominence.
2. True Colors were a New York hardcore band that existed from 1987 to 1989 and featured members of Citizens Arrest and Our Gang. The lineup was Chuck Gomez (guitar), Daryl Kahan (vocals), Lewis Dimmick (bass) and Patrick Winter (drums).
Daryl Kahan talking about True Colors (excerpt from an interview with the blog You Breed Like Rats):
"True Colors was a band I formed after meeting several guys in a band called Our Gang. I used to hang out and rehearse at a great place on 14th street in New York City called Giant Studios. Many well-known NYHC bands used to rehearse there including Lifesblood, Sick Of It All, Side By Side, YDL, Krakdown, Breakdown, Mental Abuse, Warzone, Death Before Dishonor, NY Hoods etc. There were rooms A through Z so you could just walk in and hang out and listen to each band rehearse. Through this process I ran into a band my age called Our Gang. They had a friend named Chuck who attended these rehearsals (which were more like small shows complete with a pit and sing alongs etc..- great times!). Chuck and I became friends and decided to form our own band, True Colors. Lou Dimmick of Our Gang joined along with Pat Winter. I originally was the drummer of True Colors until our singer quit and Pat joined. We recorded two demos at Don Fury's studio and played two shows, one in Connecticut with our friends Pressure Release and another with Underdog in Albany, NY. We recorded one song called "No Way To Live" at Don Fury's which appeared on Freddy Alva's New Breed Compilation. Fred Alva later formed Wardance which later signed Citizens Arrest for our first EP and album. After a while I lost interest in True Colors and started looking for members to form a new band which became Citizens Arrest."
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…shrink me down again