REVIEW: Call It Fiction – Something I’ve Never Felt

Artist: Call It Fiction
Album: Something I’ve Never Felt
Genre: Pop-punk
Label: [none]

Ohio quintet Call It Fiction describe themselves as a pop-punk band, yet this seems to sell them short. Their music is far more inventive and distinctive than most pop-punk tends to be, and it has a more universal appeal. For all that the stalwarts of the genre are clearly visible throughout this EP, it has a slower, more mindful approach that earmarks it as something to be appreciated.

Opening track “When You Give It All You Got, What’s Left To Give?” almost immediately discards its brazen drums and sets a rather moody pace. It’s a bit lethargic, but it has the standard warm feeling and sunny choruses running throughout. It also introduces the curious synth trend that runs through this EP, something that (to my mind) seems a little out of place with the rest of the music, though it does make it less predictable. The song is hearty and potent, with some fiery gang vocals thrown in towards the end to serenade its exit. It’s followed by “Seasons,” the guitars on which sound a lot rawer. The rhythm is all over the place, teasing and capricious during the verses as the drums and guitars bounce playfully off one another. It’s relatively evenly paced, much like its predecessor, and the synth lends it the same funked-up vibe. The latter still sounds a bit bizarre and out of place, and the contemplative comedown is a bit formulaic, but it hits enough slightly disparate notes to stand out and endear.

“Change of Heart” is a sweet little track. It’s positive and upbeat, as emphasised by the billowing synth that continues to run rogue-like through the backing sounds. The song is powered by flashes of daring and idealistic guitar that spur the restlessness and longing evident in the lyrics. The steady, assured approach to tracks such as this is what gives the EP its hint of promise – it leaves aside or tones down the elements that typify its genre and takes a more even-handed approach. What deft use is made of the pop punk formula means it shouldn’t alienate anyone so inclined, but the variation on the set up is impressive to see.

“American Werewolf in Cleveland” is, however, a standard package. The pace takes off, the guitars go a bit frazzled and insane and the gang vocals come thick and fast. It’s sharply at odds with the sensitive, exploratory touch to the other songs, but it’s probably a necessary change up to keep genre fans happy. “Sitting in the Crowd” is more impressive at the off, building momentum and a sense of adventure with a bass and drum roll that gradually peels back to a tempered, reflective guitar and the now-token synth line. This one is more in the vein of the first few tracks, with a relatively slow pace and a shade of sadness to it. The vocals go a bit sinewy here and there (steer clear of the high notes, friend) but otherwise this is good.

“2012 Couldn’t Come Sooner” ends the EP then on a typically sunny beat. It’s all emphatic music and intensive vocals that build into overdrive as the song progresses. It’s a nicely anthemic track, filled with hopeful musings for the future and mixing determination and fervour for what lies ahead with a more vulnerable and uncertain perspective. The guitar blazes along with lots of solos and some layered vocals come in towards the end to give the song a deft, serene conclusion.

Generally, Something I’ve Never Felt is good, bordering on very good at times, and definitely worth a look. The band haven’t quite learned how to harmonise their sound and blend the numerous elements they’re going for seamlessly together, but if they figure out a more coherent and constructive voice for themselves things could get very interesting. The willingness to experiment a little and play with the conventions of the genre is admirable, and the results should keep you smiling throughout.

SCORE: 7/10
Review written by: Grace Duffy

James Shotwell
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