Calais is out to make a strong first impression with their new EP Silhouette in the United States after spending a lot of time in their hometown of Brisbane, Australia working on their music. Despite this being the first EP from Calais, the band has been together for years working on their sound and finding fans on tour along the way.
Calais consists of Tim Lollback, Liam Roberts, Joseph Fleming, Guy Stacey and William Mogg. Lollback takes center stage with his vocals that are featured prominently throughout the EP. The opening track sets the stage for what their music sound has become of the years. "Time & Space" opens with loud guitar rifts, catchy melodies and a simple drum progression. This track has an early U2 vibe at times. Their musical sound settles into a more traditional indie rock vibe after the opening and Lollback's vocals are presented. His vocal sounds like a combination of Tears for Fears and Chris Martin from Coldplay. This vocal range and style helps to complete their musical sound, which feels like classic rock with a modern twist. About halfway through the opening track, the band really hits their stride. They have a confident, clear and catchy rock sound with "Time & Space."
Silhouette transitions into "Rewire" which changes musical directions on the audience. This single focus on an upbeat melody and heavy guitar rifts. It is on this track that Lollback's ability to tell a story and connect emotionally with lyrics is showcased.
This album does feel like a concert, each song transitions into the next and keeps the momentum going for fans listening. "Fracture" is the third track on the EP and features many retro rock 'n' roll influences throughout. This band isn't afraid to move forward with more modern influences but reflect back on bands like, INXS and Simple Minds. This EP is a blending of influences from the past and today that results in catchy indie rock with a twist.
Silhouette closes with "Trail & Error" which feels like a continuation of the musical progression that created on "Fracture." It brings the album together and completes this showcase into an up and coming rock 'n' roll band from across the ocean.
Calais has a growing fan base in Australia and now the band is making the jump to the United States. The key with this transition won't be the music, this album is strong and confident, instead the key is to open up for similar acts here in the United States and grow their fan base at different venues. If they develop fans in an organic way, positive word of mouth will spread and soon Calais will be arriving on the charts.