Calm. – Feeling Fly (2020)
For approximately ten years, the alt-rock meets punk group Calm. have existed in some form. Going through several evolutions in their sound ranging from skate-punk and rock ‘n’ roll to emo, the Harrogate-based foursome is honing and unique and distinctive sound. With several punk shows to the name, the North England group is building a reputation for energetic, engaging and enthusiastic music. Calm. recently released their debut single ‘Feeling Fly’ and we’re going to tell you about it.
Inspired by the anthropomorphic antics of Jeff Goldblum in the 1986 sci-fi film The Fly, ‘Feeling Fly’ is an upbeat and spirited single. It’s been a while since I watched the film, but I do remember some really strange stuff including Goldblum breaking a guy’s arm when arm-wrestling and growing bristly hairs reminiscent of a fly. ‘Feeling Fly’ is an innovative and intriguing sonic representation of the character…not just the bristly hairs but the emotional consequence of feeling unstable, confused and frustrated with one’s reality.
“The general ethos of ‘Feeling Fly’ is to band one’s head and shred one’s balls off. We wanted to write something catchy, raucous, riff-heavy and immediate, and not to mention something that would sound good screamed back at us by drunk guys and girls at gigs…this song explores the idea of metaphorically tying central concepts of the film, such as ugly ass change and identity crisis into my own experiences.” – Calm. on ‘Feeling Fly’
Notably influenced by artists like Green Day, Fall Out Boy, Alkaline Trio and Rancid, Calm. adopt a boundary-breaking style. Combining impressive guitar riffs with pounding drums, ‘Feeling Fly’ has a powerful, dynamic quality about it. When you add Ashley Merritt’s throaty vocals to the mix, it is a seamless fusion of harmonious melodies with punk-rock vivacity.
An outstanding win for this group, Calm. is alarmingly awesome and addictive. ‘Feeling Fly’ is potent and powerful with a dash of intrigue. Overall, while the band name may be Calm. listening to this foursome is like drinking a shot of tequila with a ball of fire hurtling at you at 1,000 miles/hour. I love it!!
For more from Calm. check out their Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
