Exit Calm

In this month of great releases (see previous blogs about The National & Foals) another unforgettable release came our way in the case of Exit Calm. The Shoegaze/Psychedelic four piece come from Barnsley and have caused quite a stir amongst avid fans of this particular Genre.

Comprised of Nicky Smith (Vocals), Rob Marshall (Guitar), Simon Lindley (Bass) & Scott Pemberton (Drums), the band have been around a fair few years now. I first stumbled upon Exit Calm in 2008 when they supported fellow Yorkshire band The Music on their 3rd album tour (Strength In Numbers (Which is also a great album. Highly recommended!))

Exit Calm's debut album was officially launched today. My copy arrived last Friday as their record label, AC30, shipped the album a week prior to its official release.

This album will take you all the way back to the brit-pop era. It won't take you to Oasis, It won't take you to Blur or Pulp. Exit Calm will take you to the unmistakable and thoroughly enthralling image of The Verve and in particular their 1993 album A Storm In Heaven.

Nicky's vocals are strong enough to come through the sheer brilliance of the sound which is produced behind him and compliments the band perfectly. He doesn't over shadow the band at all. In particular, Marshall and his ability to take us somewhere no other band really have been able to since early psychedelic movement in the 90's. In all honesty, this is The Verve's era all over again.

But let's make one thing clear, these aren't a rip off, nor are they just aimlessly following in the footsteps of Richard Ashcroft and Nick McCabe. Exit Calm are going on their own journey and one I will follow with close interest after this stunning album!

The album will take a few listens, it's not for the feint hearted or in fact half hearted. You need to sit down and really listen to the album to be captured by it's brilliance. It's not really a "singles" album either. Make of that what you will but it personally doesn't bother me in the slightest! Each song on the album is strong and compliments the previous one perfectly, Each track is individual in it's own merit and all together they produce one of this years must have releases.

Stand out tracks:

You've Got It All Wrong
We're On Our Own
Hearts And Minds
Forgiveness
Reference

.....I could go on, Like I've said it's not really a singles album. If I was to recommend individual tracks to people, they would be the ones I recommend, but in all honesty, You need to listen to the whole album to gauge the true Exit Calm.

Exit Calm - Hearts And Minds


8/10

Northern Soul

Listening to:

Exit Calm - Exit Calm - Forgiveness