CTTV (Call To the Void) are a London based quartet who comprise of Jack Osborne (vocals) alongside John McGlade (guitar), John Settle (bass), and Glen Bartholomew (drums). The band release their debut EP `The Power of Intention` this month which gathers together the bands single releases alongside three new tracks.
A crack of thunder and church bells ringing leads us into the thirty five second intro that is `The Power` a slightly sinister spoken word foreword of “Now is the time, now is the hour – Ours is the magic, ours is the power” to the first proper offering of `Resurgence`. This icebreaker is a fairly blistering opener with vocals that feel as if the have to be rapidly shared before time runs out. A song that reflects on betrayal, mistrust, and false promises.
`Uncontrollable` has a slightly gothic vibe at times but retains that searing intensity of the opener with vocals that have an interesting diversity. We have a change of pace with `Viper`s Venom` which is a reflective anthem with a touch of mystery come enigma about it.
`Blow` I read is a playful and provocative tale of inner conflict and hedonism. It has an accompanying seductive soundtrack that kind of mirrors that lyrical content shared. American rapper, singer, and My Ruin vocalist
Tairre B Murphy adds her alluring vocals to a reimagining of Edwyn Collins hit `A Girl Like You` from thirty years ago. This version gives the number a deeper and delightfully metal depth.
`L`appel du vide` which equates to `Call to the Void` describes the strange psychological impulse many people experience when faced with a fearful height—the sudden, inexplicable urge to jump. The ensuant backing has a slight sense of unease and danger about it, shared in equal measure.
The final cut `Alive` is a ballad about reawakening through creative metamorphosis and it does seem to reflect this regeneration with a soundscape that is contemplative and feels as if it`s about to explode which it indeed does in the last sixty seconds of life.
CTTV site influences from artists such as Placebo, Soft Play, Type O Negative and My Ruin but they do have their own interesting and curious sound. This was their debut extended play and offers a flavour of the band`s diversity. It will be interesting to witness how this quartet evolves and grow
Rating 8.5/10
