Sunday, December 22 2024

Calum Ingram‘s ‘Show Me the Way‘ is a bold declaration that rock isn’t just about guitars and drums—it’s about pushing boundaries. Influenced by a melting pot of legends like Peter Gabriel, Jimi Hendrix, and Jack White, his latest release smashes expectations with a funky pop rock vibe, all powered by the unexpected hero: the cello.

Emerging from the Scottish scene in 2014, Calum isn’t your run-of-the-mill musician. He’s a singer, songwriter, and—wait for it—a rock cellist. This isn’t just a guy with a cello; this is a maestro redefining how that instrument rocks. Sharing stages with heavyweights like Cream’s Jack Bruce and jamming alongside Steve Hackett and Mick Taylor in 2016, Calum’s been on a global tier, captivating audiences across America, Europe, and the UK. And, with ‘Demon Eyes’ raking in over 170k streams on Spotify, he’s clearly struck a chord with listeners.

‘Show Me the Way’ kicks off with a spine-tingling, theatrical organ (think Hammond, baby!) weaving seamlessly with a deep and great sounding bassline that’s pure bliss. Then, bam! Enter the 5-string cello, delivering a groovy, rocking riff that’s so thick, you’d swear it’s a guitar on steroids. It’s a revelation—a cello in this role is unheard of, and it’s utterly captivating. Just when you’re settling in for a classic rock ride, Calum switches gears into a funky, pop-infused masterpiece. His smooth, somewhat high-pitched vocals ride the wave, giving this funky anthem an edge. The chorus hooks you in with its catchy simplicity, making it a tune you’ll be humming along to in no time. But beyond its catchiness, the song’s musicality shines with its versatility, showcasing some stellar cello riffs that truly stand out.

Now, brace yourself for the climax—Calum goes beast mode on that cello, unleashing a solo that’s nothing short of electrifying. But here’s where it gets deep: amidst all this energy, there’s a Middle Eastern-inspired bridge, a nod to the people he’s met through his charity work. He’s part of Musicians in Exile, giving refugees and asylum seekers a space to keep their music alive. And the way he weaves that sentiment into his music gives you goosebumps.

The track isn’t just about rocking out—it’s a beacon of hope in the darkest of times. ‘Show me the way to the light,‘ he sings, and you can feel that optimism coursing through every note. And, don’t even get me started on the professionally shot video. It’s a vibrant celebration captured on screen. Picture this: a group of musicians pouring their hearts out in a cozy living room setting. The sheer joy radiating from their performance is infectious. Their passion is palpable; you can’t help but be swept away by the sheer fun they’re having. The video is a testament to their professionalism — flawlessly shot, every frame carefully crafted. Watch closely, and you’ll catch Calum, his face illuminated with an undeniable enthusiasm as he passionately lip-syncs the lyrics. His energy becomes the focal point, elevating the entire experience to a whole new level of engagement and excitement.

But, what still blows my mind is that there’s not a single guitar in sight, yet he’s pulling off riffs and solos that would make any rock aficionado sit up and take notice. This is a whole new level of rocking out, and mark my words, Calum Ingram is on the fast track to stardom. And with a studio album in the works, diving into his personal experiences and the pulse of today’s world, this guy is destined to make an even bigger splash come springtime. We’re looking forward to it!

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Review

Summary

Calum Ingram’s ‘Show Me the Way’ is a genre-defying track that merges funky pop rock with the unexpected powerhouse of a cello. It’s a musical revelation that blends haunting organs, groovy riffs, and solid vocal skills, all tied together by Calum’s masterful cello solos. With no guitars in sight, Calum’s unique approach to rock music heralds him as an imminent star on the rise.
87%

Rating

song quality
vocal performance
lyrics
instrumentation
production

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