EP Review: Calypso ‘Calypso’

Following up the release of her irresistible debut single Numbered, Tasmanian electro-songstress Calypso has released a self-titled EP full of worthy partners in crime.

The deep piano intro of Numbered makes a moody start to the EP, but Calypso proves herself the master of the quick-change, dipping into a myriad of styles throughout with thick drumming, funky bass guitar riffs, and jazzy saxophone. Calypso’s stylistic blend of Rebecca Ferguson’s vocals with Florence Welch’s compositional style fits neatly around every change, even when the track takes its final form as a quirky disco number.

Calypso proves herself the master of the quick-change, dipping into a myriad of styles throughout.

Atmospheric, eerily familiar synthesisers work alongside synthetic vocal fillers in When Love Don’t Feel Right to create a feeling of emptiness and open space, while Calypso’s intriguingly soft vocals will have you leaning in to catch the words. Breathy harmonies add a tender, emotional edge and a sense of softness to the track, while the bustling pre-chorus rhythm makes for an energetic contrast.

After a slow rhythmic build, Hunting delves into a poppy, synthetic chord progression with a steady beat, forming the ideal backdrop for Calypso’s playful vocals. Backed by an upbeat guitar melody and a thick bed of synthesiser melodies, the chorus explores her sweet high range. By the second verse, the synth has developed into a pulsing dance rhythm, just subdued enough to make the buoyancy of the chorus stand out.

The closing number seems unusual at first, but thanks to a bed of moody synthesisers acting as melodic anchors, everything begins to come together in the chorus.

Calypso finishes as strongly as she started with Field of Violet’s. Buzzing vocals and pulsing instrumentation create a haunting opening, quickly developing into a monotone chanting phase where the strength and warmth of her mid-range shines. The closing number seems unusual at first, but thanks to a bed of moody synthesisers acting as melodic anchors, everything begins to come together in the chorus. With a syncopated rhythm this edgy, nothing could kill the track’s fresh, modern vibes.

An irresistibly modern, catchy, original debut EP, ‘Calypso’ has set a benchmark for potential electronic artists and proven that tasteful production is the foundation of any well-built electronic tune.