Calf | facebook | bandcamp |
Released on December 11, 2014 via Bandcamp
My first thoughts on Calf’s Anatomy Use A Unicorn Go To Apathy was, hey, that is sure a mouthful of a title right there. In my mind, it screamed unique and I’m sure that this greek experimental act was aiming for that as a selling point (or not, considering their record is available on Bandcamp for free). However, the seemingly experimental and strange nature of Calf is extremely exaggerated.
The first indicator of foul play is that the title just doesn’t make any sense, even in a comedic sense. The song titles, such as ‘Are you Laura Palmer – No, I’m a fucking psycho’ and ‘The Artist Formerly known as Hipstercunt’ are OK names, but there is absolutely no lyrical content to back up any of this self-claimed comedic value. It’s all wasted, and just like supposed ‘satanic’ instrumental bands, it’s all slapped on to try and snag the attention of a certain market (just what ‘market’ Calf is aiming for, I have no damn idea).
The music, at best, is good. There isn’t too much actual experimentation or too much technical work going on here to convey anything. Sometimes tracks sound like a noise song for about 30 seconds, sometimes there is a slow jazz influence – but it’s all just backdrop to forward some seriously uninspired generic riffs.
As interesting and unique as Calf attempts to be, there is honestly no substance or reason behind its supposed random nature. Sure, it pulled me in with its titles and superficial aspects, but the music isn’t anything to write home about.
