Calling All Captains

There’s been a great run of releases in the melodic post-hardcore and emo-tinged pop punk realm this fall, especially with recent releases from Hawthorne Heights, Can’t Swim, Jail Socks and the forthcoming Youth Fountain and Like Pacific LPs releasing soon. However, one release that should not be overlooked in this category is the forthcoming Equal Vision Records debut LP from Edmonton, Alberta’s Calling All Captains titled “Slowly Getting Better”. This album seamlessly bridges the gap between early 2000s melodic pop punk and post-hardcore with the gruffy anthemic punk rock of the mid 2000s. Instantly accessible and full of ear-worms, Calling All Captains debut album is jam packed with sing-along angst-fueled punk rock anthems, both gritty, melodic, and emotionally charged, with plenty of sing-along hooks, gang vocals and well placed screams to go along with it. These are the type of triumphant songs that will have a crowd of kids jumping up and down in the pit with their first in the air, screaming along to every word. “Slowly Getting Better” sounds both nostalgic and current, and would fit nicely alongside earlier Story So Far, Polar Bear Club, Four Year Strong, A Day To Remember and bands of that ilk. There’s a great range of dynamics on their debut LP, ranging from mid-tempo and fast paced rockers, to slower and darker sounding more emo-tinged pop punk. The two vocalists complement each other well, with trade off raw and sung vocals, dual layered guitar melodies, and head-bobbing rhythms. And the production is big and bright, making for an album that will sound great with the volume cranked to 11. These guys are definitely a band to contend with, and should definitely make a name for themselves in the current scene off the heels of this outstanding release. Favorite songs on my initial listen include Tailspin, Loyalty, Wasted, and Friends and Family, all which bring something different to the table without veering too far away from their trademark sing/shout-along pop-punk/post-hardcore hybrid sound. Do yourself a favor and check this release out, and make sure you catch them live on their upcoming tour.