EP review: The Calls – Setting Sun
Lauren Jones, Music Editor, reviews The Calls’ third EP, Setting Sun.
Setting Sun, is indie music band The Calls’ third EP which embraces a stylistically integrative approach, rendering it difficult to categorise it as merely an electronic or guitar record. Instead, the band seemingly enjoys embracing the space in between styles, creating a playful and open tone.
‘Until It’s time’ is a warm welcome to the psychedelic daydream which is, Setting Sun. The steady tempo creates a solid under-layer to the track, providing room for experimentation which can be heard in their use of synth sounds. Tom Fuller, the lead vocalist and songwriter, cleverly opens the track by addressing the listener directly with the line ‘don’t you worry, don’t you cry.’ The conversational nature of this opening statement is a powerful mechanism, inducing feelings of safety and comfort; this aligns with Fuller’s intentions to create a ‘warmer’ world in this EP compared to their previous work. The playful instrumentation, alongside Fuller’s warm and conversational lyrics, work in conjunction to create an open and inviting tone.
The playful instrumentation, alongside Fuller’s warm and conversational lyrics, work in conjunction to create an open and inviting opening tone to the EP
Identity is seemingly an important theme to Fuller; Until its time introduces this theme which is pertinent throughout the EP. He delivers introspective and thoughtful lyrics such as ‘Who you are is where you are going and where you are going is who you are.’ Fuller approaches identity as a process of becoming. I think he is trying to emphasise that we should not force or control but instead accept that self-development is a process. Setting Sun sits in-between what may be classified as a guitar and electronic record, which may suggest a lack of identity. However, Fuller’s somewhat nonchalant lyrical delivery emphasises acceptance that self-development is a process that takes time. Repetition of ‘I can wait’ also stresses this; he urges you to stop looking and embrace the ride that is life.
This laid-back, open tone is embraced in ‘Out of Reach,’ which sounds like the beginning of a 90’s movie, with its strumming acoustics and drum loop. This consistent percussion not only devises a warm and inviting tone, but also creates a sense of stability.
The Closing track Setting Sun is a cool ending to the EP; it follows the chilled style like that of the rest of the tracks but is somewhat more psychedelic sounding. Again, Fuller emphasises a sense of uncertainty and being in the space in between not knowing and knowing who he is; this can be heard in the line ‘I am waiting for the change inside of me.’ However, he continues to seem in no rush to evolve. There are many layers to this track; it continues the theme of the drum loops, which are consistent throughout the EP, but this time they are layered with dissonant electric guitars creating a dreamlike and delirious vibe.
Overall, Setting Sun exudes good energy. Fuller’s lyrics are thoughtful and introspective. However, his nonchalant delivery, alongside the experimental and playful tone of the instrumentation, allows it to remain light-hearted. On the whole, this is a feel-good indie album which fulfils the band’s wishes to be lighter in tone than their previous work. Setting Sun is both introspective and light-hearted at the same time and is altogether good vibes.
