Long Distance Calling, Self Titled-- My Impressions

About three years ago I discovered the post-rock genre-- what was to me a hidden gem, something that is rare at best if found at a retail music store. Post-rock is dominantly instrumental, and goes without the structured form in many of today's songs. Instead it produces a texture-- a sort of sound-scape that flows and typically has an ambiance to it. The range of sounds is very broad in post-rock, from soft acoustics to jazz, electronic, metal, and experimental. The band Long Distance Calling has heavy undertones, but doesn't restrict itself to one sound, exemplified by their newest self-titled album that came out late last March.

Long Distance Calling is a fairly new band. They formed in 2006 in Germany, and in total released three full length albums. Every album they produce features a different guest vocalist for one track, including Peter Dolving from The Haunted on Satellite Bay, and Jonas Renkse from Katatonia on Avoid The Light. Their newest album hosts John Bush on the song Middleville, and really complements the sound well. The chorus is explosive and catchy, and makes for a good song and contrast from the rest of the album.

The standout track on this album is 'The Figrin D'an Boogie'. This song evolves perfectly and unexpectedly, while nailing the dynamics as always. More interestingly, it incorporates a blues style in the song which comes out great. There is a hint of jazz influence in some of the other songs, but you have to look for it. All around it is a great album.

Like all bands of this kind, you should listen to them differently than you would listen to something on the radio. Listen with headphones, or play it through some good speakers. Long Distance Calling and bands alike are more focused on the timbre and song structure than the repetition and emphasis on voice in other genres. The tracks can be a bit lengthy, but it is a part of the beauty of the art in progressive and post-rock.

The Verdict:
Great guest vocalist -- Unexpectedly jazzy -- Will satisfy old and new fans

Listen to the album here and tell me what you think.