Keith Calveric Untold

Long awaited solo debut hits every mark.
by John Tierney

You can’t help but be impressed when an artist who has built a following writing and recording original music at a high level, takes a step back for a while, and then comes back with something new.
While the new music will oftentimes have threads back to the old stuff, the new stuff will usually show a different side, a more mature sound with different influences.

That’s exactly what the former front man of 90’s jammy roots pop favorites Johnny Vegas, Keith Calveric did, and the results are fantastic.
During the over two decades off from releasing new original music, Calveric kept his chops sharp by playing in various modern rock cover and tribute bands around town. That influence and elbow grease must have lit a fire within him because his debut solo EP Untold is a world class collection of songs.

I’m thinking Mr. Calveric and I made similar mixtapes growing up. (If you don’t know what a mixtape is, ask your dad.)

Untold undoubtedly draws from an influence of what used to be called Alternative/college/new wave but with a modern sensibility that keeps Untold from being a throwback piece, on the contrary, the EP is a collection of contemporary pop rock that would fit right in on any of the various tastemaker radio stations around the country and should be featured prominently on YOUR playlists this spring and summer.

Lead off track “Losing You” is a wistful synthpop instant classic about a failed relationship that features heartbreaking lyrics the describe the hurt and pain of loss.

“Hit Me” features a Robert Smith like guitar run over snarling vocals that will remind you of Nine Inch Nails at times as Calveric spits defiance “I won’t fix what I didn’t break. I won’t pay for mistakes that you made.”

The rocking “Dangerous’ is one of those “drive too fast with the windows open” rock n roll songs that that features killer guitar and driving drums. The kind of song that would blow my hair back if I had any. A cautionary song about someone who has lost their path in life.

Throughout the EP Calveric’s strong, clear vocals take these songs to a place that quite often soars, making that goose bump thing happen that happens in all good rock n roll. Check out “Safe in a Storm” if you don’t believe me.

Untold has become one of my favorite releases of late, locally sourced, or otherwise. Top notch song writing, great playing and professionally packaged, this is an EP that should be in your regular rotation. Let’s hope Calveric doesn’t wait so long before showing what else he’s got up his sleeve because what he’s released here is exceptional and a needed addition to the local music scene.