Hailing originally from Hertfordshire, alt-rock quintet Calm For The Restless are here to make a mark with their sophomore EP Destroyed But Not Defeated. Since their formation in 2012 they have been honing their own buoyant blend of Brit-rock and building a growing fan base across relentless UK tours. Building from their last EP We Started A Fire, their latest release sees them searching for their sound with plenty of gaps still to fill.
Opening tracks ‘After Tonight’ and ‘Shadow of a Man’ are both mixed in their sound and structure. Whilst the lyrics are engaging and eloquent, the structure feels winding and fails to build to any clear point. Though the guitar riffs are catchy, still the overall sound is thin and a little incomplete. The same follows for track ‘Blue’ which opens with an enticing rock intro and expectant sound which just fails to build enough. These tracks are lacking a drive and energy that would easily see them come irresistible.
Things get a whole lot better for the end of the EP, however. In ‘Lost In the Ocean’ we hear Don Macauley’s vocals in their best light with an enticing sound that builds into a strong and powerful chorus. The highlight of this release is ‘Bury Me In The Waves’ which features melancholy electric and acoustic guitar accompanying pure and powerful vocals in a song of heartbreak. These two tracks have the intensity and identity that the others lack, and show that Calm For The Restless are on their way to perfecting their style.
Destroyed But Not Defeated is a mixed EP but shows massive potential and burgeoning talent. The lyrics are engaging and expressive, working well with the solid melodies and clear vocals that the band have to offer. There is still a lot missing, however, in the structure and sound which could both do with refinement. Nonetheless, Calm For The Restless are on their way up and definitely have something up their sleeve.
