Today, we journey to Cork, Ireland, to delve into the debut EP Days by art rock trio Callas. Comprising Dom Murphy (vocals, guitars, keys), Ruairi Lynch (guitars), and Cormac Shanley (bass), the trio showcases an impressive mastery of dynamics across this three-track release. Each song features moments of sparse, quiet beauty that contrast sharply with heavier, more foreboding elements, creating a sense of balance and intrigue.
The self-titled opener, “Days,” sets the tone by juxtaposing weighty, ominous riffs with stretches of near-silence, evoking a sense of isolation and introspection. The track exemplifies Callas‘ ability to craft a brooding atmosphere while avoiding the genre’s tendency for sprawling, epic compositions. Instead, the band opts for a more concise approach that is refreshingly accessible without losing its emotional depth.
“Sunlight” follows, weaving together towering, rumbling riffs with a delicate framework of subtler, intricate elements. The interplay between the bold and the understated gives the track a layered richness, rewarding attentive listeners with its nuanced textures.
The closing track, “Porous,” begins with a solemn, almost ritualistic progression that persists throughout its runtime. Its steady, deliberate pacing lends the song a meditative quality, wrapping the EP with a sense of introspection and gravity.
Callas‘ willingness to experiment makes Days both engaging and exhilaratingly heavy. This debut release is a striking introduction to the band’s potential, leaving listeners eager for what lies beyond this promising first step.
Listen to Days on Bandcamp, and follow Callas on Instagram and Facebook.
Callas' willingness to experiment makes Days both engaging and exhilaratingly heavy. This debut release is a striking introduction to the band's potential, leaving listeners eager for what lies beyond this promising first step.