Review: Calva Louise – Popurri EP


Popurri




The terminology behind an EP has been stretched in the digital age. In old money, an extended play would have to comprise either twenty-minutes-plus of music or at least four songs (but less than seven) to warrant its status.  This new EP from Calva Louise consists of three short bursts of pop propulsion which would have made it a single, rather than an EP, back then.

Gripe over. Although it does make for a slight offering, Popurri is a potentially useful guide to where Calva Louise are going with their next album; the debut Rhinoceros managed to flirt with the fringes of sugar-sweet pop music without fully crossing over, and had the bounce and vibrancy becoming of a new band. Then, late last year, they unveiled the Interlude For The Borderline Unsettled EP, for which this acts as a good sister piece.

Without diluting any of their enthusiasm, the trio have added some chops, ably assisted by former Spring King frontman Tarek Musa. His presence was immediately apparent on the previous EP and continues here, with the tracks on offer containing faster tempos and the sort of storming percussion which was found in his old band.

The cacophonous drums add to the whirling electronic riff which propels Camino, while on the breakneck pace of quasi-title track (POP)urri, the breakdown of syllables provides no room for false interpretation. The track features lyrics in both Spanish and English, with the former suiting the controlled freneticism better.

The only track of the three yet to see the light of day, I Wish, is equally joyous, with frontwoman Jess Allanic following in the footsteps of Karen O, controlled yet passionate, as the blitzkrieg of synth soundscapes erupts around her.

Taking this EP in conjunction with its predecessor, it looks like Calva Louise are heading for the mainstream.

7/10

Richard Bowes


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