Photo Credit: Bradley Holman
This reviewer first came across the music of Call Me Amour in December 2023, when Bring The Noise went down to SWG3 to see Against The Current play an outstanding set, with support from LØLØ and Call Me Amour. The band are led by American vocalist Harry Radford and they certainly left a good impression on the audience that night.
Radford and co are back with a self-titled EP that runs to five tracks, kicking off with Happy Hell and it’s a thunderous start. Radford’s vocals immediately stamp the authority all over the song, working well alongside the guitar work from Geoff Murphy. “My little happy hell, I’m on a carousel,” he screams, impressing from the word go. Ex-Son Of Dork band member Danny Hall joins them on drums, helping to create a unique blend that can be considered a mix of dark electronica with sonic guitars. There is a definite metal edge throughout the EP too.
Next up is Bloom, featuring Scott Kennedy from fellow Glasgow band Bleed From Within. It may be a little slowed down in comparison to the opener, but when the chorus kicks in with Kennedy’s vocals it comes alive and, for us, is the best on the EP. During the aforementioned live support of Against The Current, Mikey Chapman of Mallory Knox fame joined Call Me Amour for a song, and now he goes one better by providing co-vocals on Good Day. The song starts with some fine string work from Murphy, before the explosive vocals of both Radford and Chapman kick in to make this a joint-favourite track on the record.
Where’s The Chemistry has a good mix of synth and guitar right at the start, quickly followed by Radford’s vocals: “I smashed my face and caught up some blood in the sink,” setting the tone for a track that is sung perfectly. Towards the end we are treated to some standout drums from Hall. Dreams is the last song on the EP with Radford’s vocals shining once again.
The only downside to this EP is the fact that it’s only five tracks long – we would love to see Call Me Amour put together an album, to showcase their full musical potential.
8/10
Standout Tracks: Bloom, Good Day
For Fans Of: STARSET, Architects, Mallory Knox
Written by: Alan Brown
