Long Distance Calling
Boundless

Long Distance Calling return with a new album, one that looks like something from a walk in the mountainous landscape somewhere. The cover photo looks like it was taken with a camera that has a dirty sensor, perhaps it is thought of as an artsy thing. For this new album they don’t use a vocalist, which they have done for the other two albums by them that we have reviewed, reviewed positively I should add. It is the sixth album by the Germans in a career that saw the first album released in 2007. In the very long press text it is described that they have returned to the freer reigns that being without a vocalist will lead to, their first album were without vocalist while the latest two has been with vocalist. At least they are a band that decides to let creativity rather than established style decide their direction.

Dramatic instrumental rock music with depth and variation could be one way to describe the style of this band. Post rock is probably another way of describing it, it is instrumental with good atmosphere and great sound – I really like the production. They sort of keep true to their form and their sound, while still exploring some newer territories – perhaps I miss the vocals somewhat though. I think they offer a fairly fresh sound while still keeping within a familiar frame, they sound a bit fresh without really standing out you might say. And I should add that they keep it fairly short and to the point as well, perhaps it is thanks to good depth and variation that the album feels about right in terms of playing time.

Calling their fans successfully I think; if you like these guys’ earlier works you will enjoy this one as well. Perhaps they should have had a stronger hit song that has a little stronger draw on the listener, the songs are good all the way through but none of them really stand out for me. I also think that they did a bit better on their two previous albums, I think the way they added vocals there brought them a dimension that they do not quite have on this album. Nevertheless, it is a solid effort and a good album, and while it may not be up there with the best that these guys have done it is still an album that could be worth checking out.

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