artist: Small City Calling
genre: alternative | indie-rock
album: Oceanus (EP)
label: unsigned
listen now…
Castaways :: We Are the Messengers :: My Friend the Ocean (Coming Home)
Just a few short months ago, San Diego’s Small City Calling released their 2nd studio recording and follow up to 2009’s The Living Room Demo. Their latest work, Oceanus, is an intriguing 7-song EP that, in addition to showcasing the talents of founding members Ryan Erwin (lead vox, guitar, keys), Kevin Adams (guitar, vox) and Jake Falzone (bass, vox), also marks the debut of the band’s newest addition, Hanna Hoffman (guitar, vocals, keys).
The blend of acoustics and electrics is stellar indeed, however, equally impressive is the interplay of melody and harmony that creates a cascading effect that leaves listeners awash in auditory bliss. While there are certainly some tracks that I favour more than others, of the (7) featured on this EP there are none that I dislike.
“Castaways” jumps in from the first downbeat with a quiet, steady cadence that is an instant attention getter. Piece by piece, bit by bit it continues to build, culminating with a chorus drenched in pure indie attitude. Dig it. The groovy acoustic vibe beautifully complements the colourful vocal elements featured in “We Are the Messengers” and makes for a track that is much more than memorable. Finally, as I listen to “My Friend the Ocean (Coming Home)” two words pop into me nugget…”simply inspiring”. Coincidentally, those are the same two words which, if asked, I’d use to describe this EP and this band.
– Drago