New York outfit Caleb Lionheart's first proper offering Think Hardcore, Play Pop Punk is a bit of an odd title. Thankfully, the band does not play the mosh-influenced hardcore version of pop-punk of A Day to Remember. Instead the band's fast-paced punk is much closer to Lifetime and Bouncing Souls.
Musically, I enjoy what Caleb Lionheart has to offer quite a bit. The sound is rooted in the fast and melodic punk sounds of the early Fat Wreck/Epitaph catalogs, but also has hints of melodic hardcore as well. And then there are the slight melodic moments that bring to mind the early years of the Saves the Day. Lead off track "Adrenaline" and "Vultures" are good examples. But the vocals are where I just feel that things are a bit off. I can't quite place the origins of the harmonies; they just don't fit right off. Maybe if they weren't so forward in the mix?
Farewell Party gets bonus points for its uniqueness in the packaging for this release. It came with a screen-printed LP-sized cover, a cassette tape, and a CD copy. Apparently the vinyl version is due out later this year
that's quite a lot for one release.
For a first release Caleb Lionheart show promise for bright future. I'm still a little thrown by the vocals, but I think that in time I could get over that I mean, I enjoy Mike Ski's vocals so anything is possible. Keep tabs on this young group; they've got a lot of life left in them.
