Album Review: Calling All Captains – Slowly Getting Better (Rude Records/Equal Vision Records)

Originating from small towns outside of Edmonton, Alberta, Calling All Captains have been manifesting the release of their debut full-length record, Slowly Getting Better, for the past few years. Due for release on 29th October 2021 via Rude Records (UK/EU) /Equal Vision Records (ROW), the pop-punk/post-hardcore band are eager to finally share their creations with the world.

While Slowly Getting Better might feature songs about hardships, it is all about persistence, love, and acceptance. A welcome burst of positivity in the face of such adversity and Calling All Captains deliver this in a thrilling blend of pop-punk and post-hardcore way.

Kicking off with the uber-catchy Laurel Canyon, the chorus might be the most egregious example of a pop-punk chorus this year but it’s hard not to love it. If this doesn’t leave you with a smile plastered on your face, you need to turn it up a bit louder.

Collapse isn’t quite as catchy but it’s still a memorable burst of energy with just a slightly darker tone and more hardcore moments. The marching outro drumbeat is particularly strong. Whereas Tailspin is a succinct and bouncy post-hardcore banger and Steady Pensive brings forth yet another chorus that just makes you want to punch the air and sing along loudly.

Talking of singing along though… Loving Cup is a powerful blast of melodies that hits you right in the feels. One of the more thought-provoking tracks on the album.

People die every day, why’s it different when it’s someone you know?

A harder and heavier blast shows that Calling All Captains can combine post-hardcore intensity with massive choruses on Loyalty. Whereas Undone and Broken Glass are two potent and impactful heavyweight offerings to get you moving. Awesome stuff.

So awesome is it that the album coming to a close is genuinely sad, but such is life, and all good things must come to an end. It’s with a bang though as Wasted proves to be a slice of old-school pop-punk, Vacant Sentiment is stirring and stress-free even when the tempo increases, and Friends and Family ends things in familiar, catchy and impressive fashion.

Calling All Captains have created something pretty damn special here.

Calling All Captains – Slowly Getting Better Full Track Listing:

1. Laurel Canyon
2. Collapse
3. Tailspin
4. Steady Pensive
5. Loving Cup
6. Loyalty
7. Undone
8. Broken Glass
9. Wasted
10. Vacant Sentiment
11. Friends and Family

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