Interviews About Albums: Calling Hours - Say Less (2024)

In this new interview, we sat down with the American Punk Rock band Calling Hours to ask questions about their album "Say Less". 

1. What can you say about this new EP?

Garrett: The new Calling Hours record is called “Say Less” and was released in November 2023 by Revelation Records. It’s a 7-song record that was produced by Brian McTernan at his Salad Days studios.

2. What is the meaning of the EP name?

Garrett: We kicked around a lot of potential names for the record, but “Say Less” was a suggestion I threw out at one point and everyone just seemed to like it. “Say less” in American slang is a way to express to somebody that you understand them or that you agree with them – I personally am trying to exercise as much empathy as possible for people in my life – so I like the sentiment of saying to someone “say less.”

3. Which one is the composer of the EP?

Garrett: As far as the music goes, generally our songs start with riffs written by our guitarist Tom. He plays some riffs for us, and when one catches our attention, we start developing bass lines and drums around the songs. Once the music is developed, our singer Popeye puts together the lyrics and the vocals (it’s always such a rush to hear his great vocal ideas). Working with Brian McTernan as our producer, Brian would make suggestions to us to improve the songs – whether it be transitions in the song, extending parts, adding bridges or intros, etc. – we can’t thank Brian enough for the impact he had on our record!

4. If you had to pick one song, which one would you pick?

Garrett: Hmmmm, that’s a hard one. I really like the first song on the record “Cardboard and Aluminum.” I think it was the first song we actually wrote, and it has a really high energy and galloping drumbeat. I like Popeye’s line “Calm your murder.” I’m not totally sure of the meaning behind it, but it sounds menacing and I like it! Popeye: Honestly, I love all of them equally! But if I had to pick one, off the top of my head, it would be Curtain Call. I love the intro!

5. Are there some lyrics that you'd love to share?

Popeye: None in particular. Basically, the songs are all just about my life at this particular stage. I guess if there was to be a recurring theme of sorts, it would be about moving from California to Pennsylvania and adjusting to married life in the suburbs.

6. Which inspirations have been important for this album? Like musically or friends, family, someone you'd love to thank especially?

Popeye: There’s so much to cite and so many people to thank, so I’ll take the opportunity to thank my bandmates. In addition to enjoying all of the music that we’ve made together, I made four new friends who mean the world to me! Garrett: Some bands that I definitely referenced as we were developing a sound would be Sugar / Husker Du, Doughboys, Samiam, and the Jam.

7. Something to add?

Garrett: Thanks for checking out “Say Less.” We’re planning to hit the road very soon – Europe at the end of May/beginning of June with Be Well, some West Coast dates to announce hopefully very soon, and hopefully much more travel in 2024!