CAL22  - New EP 'Bunch of Beats'

Cal 22

Bunch of Beats EP

Sixty four records

Those of you that are familiar with my reviews and rantings will remember last years monsoon that was Glastonbudget. There were a few nice surprises however during the 3 day downpour. One of them as you might remember were a band not from my neck of the woods but further west into the Cannock region of the Midlands going by the name of CAL22. You may also recollect that this young bunch of whipersnappers brought the tent down during their brilliant 20 odd minutes on the Saddle Span Stage. The frightening thing about all this was that they were all still at school at the time. Not just in school but with a couple of years still to go!!

So, time has moved slowly since then for these lads but not uneventful. Since i saw them last they've added another member in the guise of one Alex Jones bringing an extra Guitar and some Backing Vocals to the old trio of Ben Phillips on Guitar and Lead Vocals, Mitch Dodd on Bass and Backing Vocals and Christian Chalmers on Drums. Now, if you thought they were good before you really have to give your tabs a treat by introducing them to their new EP 'Bunch of Beats'.

I have to admit, that when i saw them at the Festival i thought they were quite eclectical in the fact that they had a diverse sound but no general direction. Well, i'll shut me trap a bit because if you do as i say and give the EP a listen you'll be aware straight away of the 'Jam' and 'Who' influences that tinge the first two tracks 'Broken Strings' and 'These Lines'. The introduction to the EP is for me the strongest. The anthemic starter begs for a listen and will confirm that these boys have moved on. There is some soaring vocals and honest guitar playing here. The flat capped one is growing a new set of lungs it seems. The short one behind the drum kit has grown a new pair of arms it also seems and with the fair haired bassists meanderings complementing the new addition it is proof that they, although up against it at times are growing stronger by the day. The title track gives you a taste of the new backing additions while 'Make you proud' is a slower more Oasis affair about wanting to write a song to be proud of. They've had a couple of set backs live wise as well as coping with the rigours of Exam times. Yes, you heard me! These guys are STILL at school! So how come i hear you ask do they sound so tight and sorry lads 'older' than that? They've got good backing behind them and they've also got that certain confidence, that swagger and that eagerness to carry on and keep on trying to make good music. One day these boys are going to shine. But for now, you'll have to make do with a few lucky live sets and this amazing EP which is already making some people very proud.

Extra News; 

The lads arent touring until well after January, possibly into the spring before they   get back on stage so watch the postings on here and on their facebook page.

CAL22 have a new song recorded also, titled 'Bobby D' not on the EP so keep the ears peeled.

Any new gigs the lads will be doing will be on here and on DGI www.davegoodwinimages.com

DG