SHREDnews

Callahan Summer Sampler EP Review

By: Nicole Bradley

What dragged me into listen to the band Callahan was the fact that they stated on their Myspace that they as a band wanted to “stand out from all the rest and last long enough to make an impact on the music scene.” On several occasions the band Callahan has been rated the number one unsigned band on PureVolume. Currently the band is streaming their Summer Sampler on both PureVolume and Myspace, and with songs in the half million and quarter million hits, I was hoping to be surprised with a new sound in my ears.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to hear anything new. They sound kind of like a cross between Boys Like Girls gone A Day To Remember. The scene that Callahan wanted to break down is merely an eager attempt at getting more listeners.

The Sampler begins with the song The Dive. The lyrics are well written, and flow beautifully. But unfortunately, I still get that Boys Like Girls vibe to the actual song. The mold they wanted to break is clearly not presented in this song. Despite this fact, the song is still alright.

Finding My Way is a song that has a much slower pace to it, and is probably my favorite off of the sampler. The lyrics are advanced and executed exactly how they should be. Its acoustic sound fits perfectly with the vibe of the lyrics. It’s a completely ideal love song.

The songs Dress To Impress and This One’s for the History Books is a cross between A Day To Remember and every other pop-punk band you hear on MTV. It’s disappointing to say the least, but the attempt at a different sound was obviously made.  When Morning Comes sounds like a completely different band playing. It’s fast paced, and even has an electronic sound to it. If Callahan broke any mold whatsoever, it would be through this song.

“Callahan is ready to take the industry by storm with their newest release, their drive to make it is only matched by their strong work ethic and they are determined to make a splash in the industry and become the next big thing!”

Overall, I was thoroughly disappointed with the album. I had expected good tunes and a new brand of music, but only received a common sound. If Callahan is to become the next big thing, they really need to change their overall pop-punk image to a much fresher look and sound.