First of all, this is a damn good record. Not just from an artistic point of view, but also a technical one – all tracks are lush and hard-hitting. Expansive and ripe with hypnotising synth textures and playful electronic beats, ‘I’m Always Haunted’ signals Caleb L’Etoile’s return to Halloween-inspired songwriting, something he has now done for two years in a row.
No complaints on our behalf: packed with five incredible tracks, ‘I’m Always Haunted’ jumps from dreamy M83-like anthems to pop bangers, passing through a charming cover of ‘Pet Sematary’ drenched in dark wave tinges. Opening with ‘(Let’s) Do the Hollow’, the EP sends a compelling message of liberation in the face of adversities, all through a solid metaphorical wall.
‘Midnight In The Garden’ is perhaps our favourite episode in the record: a bouncy and mesmerizing pop hit with nothing to envy to contemporary charts – honestly, it could easily blow up. Caleb L’Etoile’s vibrant vocals work very well in this context, while also being heavily saturated. ‘Tick’ sees fellow vocalist Jessy Leigh helping the Americana troubadour reach lyrical heaven. Closing off the EP in style, we find a cover of ‘Skulls’ (The Misfits).
Speaking about the inspiration behind his work, Caleb explains: “The 3 originals started as songs for my second full-length record, but they fit nicely as a set and each had their own air of spookiness so I decided to package them together.”
Recommended! Discover ‘I’m Always Haunted’ EP on Spotify:
