Canadian punks Calling All Captains recently dropped their latest project, The Things That I’ve Lost. This band is known for creating music from personal emotions and struggles—transforming them entirely for their listeners. According to lead vocalist Luc Gauthier, this is one of their most personal releases, meant to be raw and real, based on reflections they’ve all experienced. I really applaud artists who want to write about the nitty-gritty and share their vulnerabilities with the world, because it is truly difficult to expose yourself. The world is full of judgment, and no one wants to feel like they stand out in a bad way. Feelings are often pushed down, but that’s what makes the music scene truly beautiful.
“A New Type of Grey” and “Blood for Blood” were singles released ahead of the project to excite the audience—I really enjoy both songs for what they are, especially “A New Type of Grey,” because the overall production and lyrics work so beautifully together.
Out of the newer tracks released on the album’s release date, I think “Say That You Hate Me” is a wonderful song. The counterintuitive thoughts in this track—about loving someone from a distance but wanting them to say they hate you—express such a heavy mindset. Is that the truth, or do they really hate me? Navigating relationships, especially romantic ones, can be difficult. One misread in communication can spiral out of control, leading to a break-up or creating unrealistic expectations. Committing too much of oneself to another without considering that relationships are meant to be a team effort—two different souls intertwining to work as one—also makes you wonder: do they love me for me?
Similarly, I think “Stay Away” brings a different perspective because, rather than trying to be with someone, it’s begging them to just leave. Society—especially many religions—makes us feel like we need to get married to feel complete. That’s not true. You need to find peace within yourself to make relationships work, because marriage doesn’t solve depression or anxiety. Relationships are meant to be a team effort to solve problems together; they’re not a band-aid. At the same time, we all long for connection but struggle with the thought that we don’t deserve another’s love. The line, “Selfishly put myself through personal hells,” rings so loud and true. We don’t mean to, but pushing away someone who cares—or hiding our problems from loved ones—is selfish. I’ll admit it. It’s selfish because someone cares deeply enough to try to help, but not letting them doesn’t do anyone any favors. It doesn’t help yourself, because it’s hard, and it doesn’t help them either, because they’re still going to worry about you. They press, you push away, and then it’s just a never-ending back and forth.
Calling All Captains has really created a beautiful EP, with six hauntingly amazing tracks that deserve to be heard. I need this band to come back to Milwaukee or visit Chicago so I can scream and cry along to these songs live. Sometimes we just need that cathartic moment because it’s so healing. Anyway, give The Things That I’ve Lost a stream or two, and let me know what you think!
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