CALL TO THE VOID -THE POWER OF INTENTION // EP ReVIEW

Call To The Void are a dark alternative rock band based in London.  The band name translated from the French phrase "L'appel du vide", which is one of the track names in this EP, describes the strange psychological impulse many people experience when faced with a fearful height.  The 4 piece band channel that same tension and intensity into their sound.  Fronted by Jack Osborne (Vocals), alongside John McGlade (Guitar), John Settle (Bass) and Glen Bartholomew (Drums).  The band fuse brooding and dark alternative rock with visceral heaviness and raw attitude, channeling the raw spirit of the 80s & 90s rock's dark lineage.

1. The Power  

Kicks of the EP with 30 seconds of eerie vocals that echo through you in a whispered tone "now is the time', "now is the hour" looping over and over above thunder sound effects, the suspense builds really capturing your attention and anticipating what the next track is. 

2. Resurgence

Straight into that grungy rock sound, opening with an energetic guitar and drum pairing, some head banging, air guitar moments all the way through this track.  Add to this the intense vocals that match the high energy of the instrumentation, "a cathartic blast of fearless energy, the track expels demons through an unapologetic affirmation of revival an self assurance", the moment you hear this track you can certainly hear this energy from start to finish, the vocal become more intense as the song reaches the end, you can certainly feel the emotions come to the fore in the songs as Jack the lead vocalist delivers a middle finger to the past,  a rebuild of trust and wiping the slate clean. 

3. Uncontrollable

Continuing that energetic grungy guitar and drums combo, as they kick the song off with a powerful riff that feeds off the energy of the drums and gradually becomes more intense.  The songs sound does push into that heavy rock side, however there are elements of alternative rock sprinkled through out the track, making it one of those songs that just gets locked inside your head.  Vocally there is those intense moments which are heard more in the chorus, the verses pull back slightly and that contrast of calm building to an explosive chorus will get any crowd going. 

4. Viper's Venom

This track starts out much more calmly compared to the last few tracks we have heard, a guitar melody and Jacks vocals melt together.  The track sits at just over 6 minutes and it certainly feels like one of those tracks that is meant to capture your attention.  Usually a song that stretches over the standard song length, can sometimes be a risky move, as sometimes your attention can drift off, but absolutely not the case with this track, there are so many elements and sections, switching seamlessly from pop rock moments to alt rock then into the heavier side of the band that we have come to know.  This track certainly shows off the bands diversity in their style and how they blend those styles together but still staying true to who they are musically.  The vocals don't overtake at any point and vice versa with the instrumentation.  

5. Blow 

This track brings back the high energy instant impact from the start, the grungy guitar riff and drum duo we have come to recognise.  The vocals on this track take centre stage as you are pulled right in,  everything in this track moves with a sharper more cutting tone, vocally you are captured by the emotion that is coming through.  One thing that stands out for me in this track is there is no rush, all though the song moves with energy, they are deliberate in how they deliver this track instrumentally to grab you.  The moments just before each verse, the instrumental pulls back to settle the song, almost to make sure you are listening.

6. A Girl Like You ft. Tairrie B. 

A cover song where they have infused their own style into the 90s classic by Edwyn Collins.  Bringing those dark intense sounds and that rolling guitar/bass line that sits in the background to keep that punching rhythm and flow.  The vocals from Jack and Tairrie B, gliding over the instrumentation so effortlessly, they have really made this song their own. 

7. L'appel Du Vide

An anthemic track that starts out with their signature move of intense guitar riffs and swiftly opens up into some screamo inspired vocals, which we have heard previously through out this EP, really shows their diversity and ability to connect styles and experiment through each song.  The song title translates to "Call to the void" which echos through out the track and feels like there is a fight to gain clarity, the song moves through moments of struggle, getting pulled back and then finally reaching that point of understanding which can be felt through the chorus. A power track layered with so much emotion, this song will linger in your head for a while.

8. Alive

To close out the EP, this track brings a more melodic sound, a pulled back calmer feel, the majority of the track is just the guitar melody and Jack's vocals.  The song feels as though we have reached the other side and the band are reflecting back, from a more peaceful almost hopeful outlook.  "Let the music drift across the floor as my words sing deep into your pores" one of the stand out lines in the song, you feel more connected to the band lyrically and musically.  However they can't fully end the EP softly, their signature sound where the full band come in at the end just to make sure you know exactly who they are. 

This is definitely a unique EP, each track is different but at it's core aligns to the bands feelings and style they are wanting to portray.  Their mix of styles and sounds, shows their diversity, but most importantly they are wanting to put across who they are, whilst experimenting.  

You can follow the band on their Instagram below 

calltothevoid_official

Take a listen to the new EP below