Photo by Daniel Breene
Soul-pop artist Calum Agnew has revealed his debut EP Bad Boy, a five-track of raw, intensifying emotions and frequencies that you can’t help but feel as a deep and visceral melancholy. A unique vocal tone that has power and weight behind it whilst feeling unfiltered and intimate, Calum showcases the extent of his talent at every turn.
Opener ‘LALALA’ is a vibrant and grooving introduction, the saxophone honks, glittery keys and bouncy rhythm section backing up the pop finesse of the soul-pop cocktail. ‘Anymore’ and ‘At Least’ both deliver punchy, climactic soarers, the end of the latter having truly cinematic proportions that deserve to be heard under the spotlight. The title track has a lush mixture of classic influences and modern production, leaving us to enjoy the final outing ‘Never’, returning our feet to the ground with another vibrant rendition.
In Calum’s words, “Bad Boy is a collection of songs that captures my transition from late adolescence into young adulthood. It reflects my attempts to navigate desire, self-doubt, and vulnerability while exploring the relationships around me as a gay man. The EP tells a story of unresolved love in all its complexity, emotions I’m still attempting to understand.”
Over the past year, the Irish songwriter has been receiving plenty of early praise and support, alongside some impressive chart success. That’s continued with festival appearances and support slots around fellow acclaimed artists. With that, then, ‘Bad Boy’ is undoubtedly the start of an exciting career ahead.
Listen to it here…
