Them Elephants stomp the accelerator on energetic LP 'Come Calling'

Photo by Matt Galliano

NorCal rocker Them Elephants’ sophomore release Come Calling delivers another lineup of surf-inspired rippers that lean into the stylistic framework of 90s alternative and power pop for an energetic perspective on life viewed from the other side of adulthood, while continuing to celebrate the euphoric joy of youth and young manhood.

Markedly noisier than their debut album, Them Elephants have taken a comparatively no-holds-barred approach to the compositions on Come Calling. Where Them Elephants was perfectly suited to soundtrack backyard barbeques and Sunday afternoon park hangs, Come Calling feels more appropriate to instigate speed-limit busting drives down CA 1 or perfectly shredded early-morning waves before your 9am meeting. Raucous riffs and pounding rhythms spike against the limiter like hits of unfiltered adrenaline, peppered with strategically placed flourishes from handclaps to organ that expand the sonic palette without diluting the guitar-forward proceedings. Them Elephants haven’t completely abandoned their surf-rock roots in favor of a more angular attitude, with elements of Beach Boys style harmonies cropping up to soften some of the harder edges and maintain an air of carefree levity even as the accelerator inches closer to the floorboards.

One of Come Calling’s most notable attributes is the album’s unflappably sunny disposition that tackles everyday life challenges from the daily 9-to-5 to keeping the romantic spark alive with a refreshing glass-always-full mentality. This notably stands in contrast to the typical alt-rock tradition that often skews towards introspective negativity, imbuing the album with Them Elephants’ trademark effervescence that radiates outward and goes down as easy as an ice cold cerveza. It’s the type of outlook customarily reserved for the halcyon days of youth when possibilities far outweigh responsibilities, and a reminder that staying positive and finding satisfaction in the familiar is a worthwhile pursuit opening the doors to a life enjoyed to the fullest.

By the time the final note punches it way out of the speakers you’ll be ready to put on your Wayfarers, crack open a cold one, and make a beeline for the beach. Them Elephants have Come Calling, and it sounds like a damn good time.

Stream Come Calling on Spotify and follow Them Elephants on Instagram.