The Calls, Until It’s Time
Independent
The Calls have just released the latest instalment of their foray from the rainy streets of Leeds into desert-tinged psychedelia. Breezier than previous release Way Far Out, Until It’s Time taps into a new kind of musical vortex, with all of The Calls’s usual calling cards – Britpop blueprints metamorphosed beyond recognition, intoxicating atmospheres, and reflective vocal delivery symbiotically blending into the instruments – deftly redirected out of the blue and into the sun.
It’s an uncharacteristically cheerful cut from The Calls, who usually specialise in melancholy introspection done to a T, but somehow they make the leap without losing any of their moody essence. Until It’s Time is underpinned throughout by a brooding instrumental, bassline and guitar both carrying melodies that feel as key to the track as the vocals, weaving a complex soundscape that manages to feel both challenging and serene. Swirling sonic effects lead us to The Calls’ undeniable roots in the northern music scene via a detour through sparse, Route 66-sized ambience.
The peaceful acceptance in the lyrics – preaching patience, and urging us to relax and trust the journey – couldn’t sit against a more apt musical backdrop. It’s impossible, firstly, not to feel soothed listening to those instrumentals. And the melody line, half late-album Stone Roses (think Shoot You Down), half arena-filling ballad (fight the urge to belt it out when vocalist Tom Fuller sings “where you’re going is who you are”). Both subtle and vast, The Calls have made a statement of intent on Until It’s Time – and still managed to sound carefree.
Catch them in action – finally! – this Friday in Leeds (info here) and listen to Until It’s Time here.
