Caleb L’Etoile returns with ‘I’m Always Haunted’, his third EP release of 2024, just in time for Halloween. Known for crafting bedroom-pop that effortlessly blends elements of indie-rock and electronica, the Virginia-based artist once again brings a seasonal flair to his music, offering listeners a dark yet whimsical soundtrack for October. With three original songs and two cover tracks, this EP delivers a collection that dives into themes of love, depression, and mythology, all wrapped in a playful, spooky aesthetic.
The standout track ‘(Let’s) Do the Hollow’ perfectly captures the essence of the EP. Caleb explores the mental toll of depression while keeping the musical tone, dancy, light, and eerie. The song starts with a mellow, haunting feel and builds to an explosive bridge, creating a perfect autumnal atmosphere that echoes the chill of a nighttime dance through a dark forest.
‘Midnight in the Garden’ follows with its gritty production, big beats, and vibrant synths, pairing well with disco-inspired strings. Its retelling of the Adam and Eve story, stripped of religious connotations, feels bold and fresh, adding to the EP’s unique thematic depth.
‘Tick’, a duet featuring Jessy Leigh, drifts into more surreal territory. Caleb’s layered, ethereal production blends floating synths with Leigh’s vocals, turning a love song about a tick into an oddly captivating and original track. Its off-kilter vibe showcases Caleb’s knack for blending the absurd with sincerity.
The two covers are where Caleb truly plays into the Halloween spirit. His version of ‘Pet Sematary’ stays true to the spooky yet campy essence of the original Ramones track, with an ’80s synthwave spin that’s ideal for any Halloween party. ‘Skulls’, a Misfits classic, channels the raw energy and fun that Caleb seems to enjoy in punk, rounding off the EP with a burst of playful aggression. With ‘I’m Always Haunted’, Caleb L’Etoile continues to evolve his sound, offering a vibrant collection of tracks that balances introspection with seasonal fun. This release is bound to be a favourite for fans looking to spice up their October playlists.
