Music
Press
"Like an assembly line straight from the firey pits of Hell, the British music scene keeps coughing up a succession of ColdheadRadioplay bands. As so many hairballs from a not-so-musical moggy, they typically cause a listener to gasp and run for the paper towels, the better to clean up the mess from the music room floor.
Thank god, then, for tiny blessings -- and at three tracks, this EP is tiny -- like Caleb.
Hailing from the county of Essex (which gave us, gentle reader, musical superstars such as Victoria Beckham), Caleb is an ethereal -- yes, even gorgeous -- concoction of acoustic/electric guitar, soft bass and drums and most gratifyingly... the sinuous vocals of Ms. Elyza Nicholas.
Nicholas bears comparison to Elizabeth Fraser and Aimee Mann but ultimately brings her own singular sound to the record, most exceptionally on the Dead Can Dance-inspired "What the Hell." This tune went straight to this reviewer's iPod and doesn't look to be leaving anytime soon.
Each of these tunes is an accomplished, assured and precious (in the best sense of the word) piece of songsmithing. I can count on maybe one hand how many times I've wished for more songs on an artist's CD, but the fact that Caleb only give three tracks is a criminal tease.
Music lovers from Brentwood, Essex to Brooklyn, New York and beyond should be rising up in arms to demand more output from this extraordinarily listenable and unique band, if only to counter all the third-rate Keanes and Snow Patrols that currently haunt the British music scene.
Caleb has delivered an immensely satisfying EP, well worth your hard-earned quid down the local record shop."
Todd Beemis
http://www.indie-music.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=5107 - www.indie-music.com
"Did I say these were mellow? Crikey, they've changed. And expanded. And improved... Already a mellow band with tunes to turn anyone onto their style, they are now much more varied and siphon a tonne of stuff into what seems a short set. With so much emotion spewing from the frontwoman who can be incredibly soulful, occasionally ethereal, quiet then heartrending both in voice and lyrics... Emotional: raw and gritty. Beautiful"
Dukester
http://www.dukester.uk2k.com/ - http://www.myspace.com/dukesterpromotions
Last up were Caleb who seem to be able to effortlessly meld many different styles and influences without sounding like they're trying... Relying as they do on a djembe for percussion they managed to journey through hard rock, tribal beats, relioious chanting, Mediterranean guitar picking and a ho-down section about trip hop within the space of two songs... It's an emotional, powerful sound which is unique but touches on enough familiar ground to not be overtly avant garde or gratuitous. Definitely worth checking out"
EJ Warner
http://www.live365.com/stations/312096 - EJ Warner
Caleb's sound is rather unique, their gentle, folk-like stylings setting them apart from the majority of unsigned bands currently playing around the Southend area. Phil nods, “we like to think of ourselves as a darker version of The Magic Numbers” he adds.
When asked “if their music was a fruit or vegetable what would it be and why?” Dan replies cryptically “a tomato” because it's often mistaken for/confused with something it's not.
Despite being a hard to pigeon-hole, unsigned act, Caleb are doing remarkably well popularity-wise, this is probably best demonstrated online, where their myspace.com account has a whopping 36,892 friends! “We'll be friends with pretty much anyone who asks us” laughs Phil, “as long as they aren't overly evil!”
Noisy! Zine
http://www.noisyzine.co.uk/interview.html - www.noisyzine.co.uk
"Caleb and crew are musical, and oddly enough...there is so much music being made without music. It is also very theatrical, and I really enjoy the dramatic, suspenseful vibe..."
Gaslighter
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"An almost rock/opera tale by Caleb. A seemingly sad song, but with acceptance,survival & hope...Love It;)"
Hornhead
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"The piece you long to hear and savour in a dramatic stage musical when frustration has given way to hopelessness and depression. Perfect for 'Mood Swings'"
Mood Swings & Roundabouts
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"I added this to my station during the first few chords. Hooked right away!"
Rock Goddess
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"This is a very sombre but beautiful track with such crystal clear production that one can hear the predominant acoustic guitar drive as well as a very nice drum performance that spices it up just right to make for a delightful audio ride. Truly a memorable track! Rock on Caleb!"
Sandman
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"Caleb has the conviction to be different and the ability to pull it off. I like the drums on this one. Good job."
Kid Ric
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www.iacmusic.com/artist.aspx?ID=31825 - www.iacmusic.com
Discography
My Last Today EP - 2005
Black Gate Live EP - 2006
Sorrow EP - 2007
Photos
Bio
It all began in 2002...
Three friends:
A singer.
A guitarist.
A drummer.
Three voices:
Elyza; soul-scouring, delicate yet powerfully moving.
Dan; devastating gruff darkness with utter sincerity.
Phil; soaring tongues of minor-key harmony.
Three years:
The foundations were laid down, bare as bone.
Dan & Elyza combining their writing with dual lead vocals,
and Caleb became.
2008...
Caleb are powerful and emotive, confident and tentative. Caleb give their audience something very diverse - playing all original sets; in just one song you can feel and hear a whole spectrum of sensory experience. Likened to a kind of rock-opera; the use of droning open-string guitar techniques and counterpoint vocal harmonies shape Caleb's sound with forms of grunge, rock, and haunting balladry. Each song has its own flavour; stabbing out dark pangs of emotion and lighter flutterings of melody; Caleb come not to tantalise you but to challenge your thinking. Caleb do not play purely to perform; their depth proves that music is a state of being.
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