Call It A Day is a consuming new EP from Sydney-based artist Jovi Skyler, whose rock sound melds punk-friendly raucousness and psychedelic intrigue. An angst-y, hook-filled charm is apparent throughout the production, which also now features Skyler on bass guitar, which he learned throughout the EP’s two-day recording session. The result presents a fulfilling rock sound with a contagious attitude.
The opening “Asshole” combines fuzzy guitar distortion and debonair vocals to start, shifting seamlessly into a brief psych-friendly dreaminess. The rousing “don’t you wanna go home?” refrain ensues, bringing back the enjoyably raucous rock fervency. “I’m the asshole,” the vocals declare, furthering themes of self-confidence. Skyler describes the track as being about “sticking to your guns and being your true self, regardless of society’s opinion or expectations about you.” The music video for “Asshole” also captivates, infusing classic movie scenes with jam-friendly visuals.
“Lil Bo Weep” follows with a punk-friendly vigor, also recalling a grungy nostalgia in the “waste away,” vocal exultation. “Heartache, heartache,” they repeat in the ensuing sequence, as blistering guitar distortion ventures into the quivering title-referencing ardency. “Frankenstein” struts a more contemplative flair; its “sun shines on you,” soaring vocal hook combines with serene guitar jangles for a soundscape in the realm of Brit-pop. The one-two punch of “Lil Bo Weep” and “Frankenstein” emphasize the artist’s eclectic range, from rock-forward onslaughts to hazy power-pop contemplation.
An infectious rock inducement continues on EP finale “Rumble,” also embracing a grungy punk intertwining as the lead escalates into a feverish “rumble, rumble,” growl — strutting a compelling, menacing hold reminiscent of early Manic Street Preachers. The Call It A Day EP is a riveting showing from Jovi Skyler, spanning from distortion-heavy rock attitude to lusher psych-touched intrigue.
