There has been a recent trend in the realm of hard rock music in the capitol of country music and banjos have nothing to do with it.

With the newly released debut EP by Cryptic Calling comes a refreshing sound. The self-titled EP is a long-awaited release from fans of the hard rock band.

The track “Otiose” draws you right in with the blazing guitar and lead vocals of James Robbins, driving percussion of Shea Shankle and beat driven bass of Clay Zimmerman. The metaphoric lyrics speak of a family member who has constantly done wrong with broken promises, to finally have the whole family turn against them. Amazing lyrics are driven home with the emotion-filled vocals of Robbins. Otiose being a rather old-fashioned term for not serving any useful purpose, this is a great track indeed on so many different levels.

The track “Shattered Dreams” is more of a ballad and a very good one at that. A song of a love that is in some sort of limbo. Whether it be from a death or debilitating illness or injury is left up for interpretation by the listener. Robbins delivers on all levels, helping you feel the anguish in his lyrics at the situation being sung about. The music accompanying just intensifies that with every crescendo and drop.

The same can be said about the other three tracks, all dealing with lost love. Whether being friend, family or lover, all of the tracks are delivered with a strong emotion of loss on every level. With the music being just as emotionally charged as the lyrics, Cryptic Calling has delivered a concept EP that is masterfully produced and recorded. The long wait for fans was well worth it

Overall, the debut EP from Cryptic Calling is very enjoyable and the production value is superb. Watch for this band to rise in acclaim in the near future.