“I Love You to Infinity” by Jeremy Calvar

This doesn’t sound like anybody I know from the suburbs. Jeremy Calvar’s “Lightfoot Sunflower”, the first single from his new EP I Love You to Infinity, overflows with unrestrained aggression, surprising melodic power, and romps from the first note to the last. It’s the latest sign from this young Connecticut based musician that his ongoing solo career, after several years performing with his brother Joshua in the duo Friends of Enemies, has genuine staying power. His Filipino-American heritage likely gives him an unique perspective on the form that other musicians lack as he attacks the style with zero preconceived notions and fashions something all his own from the experience. He isn’t content regurgitating other musician’s past glories but, instead, forges ahead with a distinctive voice that leaps out at listeners.

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That’s literal. His guitar playing blows out your speakers with its unpretentious and muscular riffing, tight and focused, shorn of any extravagance. He has great drumming backing him up and following him every step of the way. I love how it makes absolutely no bones about its willingness to bludgeon the listener yet obviously relies on simple yet powerful melodic strengths to make its ultimate point. It’s a cliché, perhaps, but Calvar’s arrangement for this song takes no prisoners.

It peaks with the song’s chorus. I love how the energy rises during those passages and Calvar’s vocals hit on perfect phrasing for those moments. He knows exactly what he’s doing. “Lightfoot Sunflower” sounds like one of those songs you hear occasionally where it is obvious the artist began the recording process certain of the sound they wanted and nails it down with almost offhanded ease. The single is loose, confident, and roars with youthful enthusiasm. He’ll check off every box for anyone interested in or in love with modern hard rock.

So will his vocals. The go for broke style he embraces for this song isn’t without musicality. He latches on to the primary riff and, as mentioned, milks the chorus for everything it’s worth. His commitment is total. Moreover, I hear an experienced musician and singer at work here, not some gifted young man who’s stumbling into something great almost by accident. The sound of the single likewise frames both his singing and the guitar playing perfectly. The lack of any guitar solo won’t bother anyone as he tosses enough variety into his riffing that you won’t miss it. In particular, the guitar break just after the song’s midway point will compensate for any loss you may experience. I know it did for me.

It’ll be interesting to see where he goes from here. He has the fundamentals down cold but, more importantly, the intangibles are in place as well. Jeremy Calvar has put it all together and now he’s prepared to take what he has and knows to the next level. “Lightfoot Sunflower” gives no quarter, it’s in your face from the outset, and fans of this style of music wouldn’t have it any other way. I know I wouldn’t. 

Trace Whittaker