Exit Calm - The Future Isn't What It Used To Be

  by Anthony Strutt

published: 14 / 10 / 2013

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Review

This is the second album from Nick Smith, Rob Marshall, Simon Lindley and Scott Pemberton, who together are Barnsley-based band Exit Calm. From the first few notes I initially saw them play at a soundcheck they totally blew me away, so it is no real surprise that their second album is just as brilliant as their 2010 self-titled debut album. 'The Future Isn't What It Used To be' consists of nine songs which are such that frankly any other bands listening to them should just give up really. Exit Calm are so just so out there that they are totally ahead of the game. 'The Rapture', which opens the album and is also a single, is haunting, scary and full of atmosphere. It has that Northern feel of us versus the world. This is real music, music from the heart and with soul, music to lose yourself in, and which kicks against your every day boredom. They are reminiscent of U2 in that they have the songs, the passion, the verve. 'Albion' is anthemic rock, a perfect early Verve-like trip. You can happily swim within its waves, and it has a real vocal from Nick Smith to believe in. 'Fiction' is as fresh-sounding as the young Oasis, while its killer guitar lines are to die for. This band reclaim the guitar band as something to have faith in again. 'When They Rise' is as commanding as the Chameleons, and a huge anthem. 'Higher Bound' is acoustic and slower, and stripped of its loudness still has an edge. 'Holy War' has more of a psychedelic groove, and is reminiscent of those cheeky Monkeys from Sheffield. 'Promise' sounds like a combination of The Chameleons and the Verve, and also has an element of the lost spirit of Britpop. 'Glass Houses' has a fire and passion, and the album ends with 'Open Your Sky' which while calmer will still have you swaying along to it. A great band. Embrace these fellows now!

Track Listing:-

1 The Rapture
2 Albion
3 Fiction
4 When They Rise
5 Higher Bound
6 Holy War
7 Promise
8 Glass Houses
9 Open Your Sky

Band Links:-

https://twitter.com/exitcalm
https://www.facebook.com/exitcalmmusic
http://www.exitcalm.co.uk/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOy4q
https://instagram.com/exitcalm/

Label Links:-

http://store.clubac30.com/
https://www.facebook.com/clubac30
https://twitter.com/clubac30