Caleb L’Etoile releases spooky season-inspired new EP, I’m Always Haunted.

By Graeme Smith

This is the second year in a row that Caleb has released music inspired by the Halloween season. His new EP follows on from our share of his track and video, Inverse Living last month.

Caleb has a way of hitting on the topics that often go unmentioned. While Inverse Living mourned the loss of a special pet, the five tracks of his new EP I’m Always Haunted shine a new light on darkness, depression, love and mythology, all told against an atmospheric backdrop of indie and art pop.

The EP opens with the brooding and stripped-back intro of (Let’s) Do the Hollow. The track quickly finds a simmering groove while Caleb expressively delivers lyrics that are rich with imagery and speak to the desire to numb oneself while in the throes of a dark mood. As the central song of the record, it’s the perfect introduction.

Midnight in the Garden brings with it percussive layers and a cantering tempo. Caleb’s vocals feel especially pleading during its alternative telling of the story of Adam and Eve. Tick is a duet with Jessy Leigh and is perhaps the EP’s moodiest moment. The vocals have a back and forth within a sea of synths.

Alongside the three original tracks, there are two covers on the EP – Ramones’ Pet Sematary and Misfits’ Skulls. The former takes things in a ’80 synthwave direction while the latter rushes along at breakneck speed during its macabre retelling.

I’m fast becoming a big fan of Caleb L’Etoile. He has a compelling point of view and isn’t afraid to bare his soul with his music. The result is infectious and relatable, and is the kind of thing to which I can easily return over and over again. His new EP is a must listen, whether it’s Halloween or not.

I’m Always Haunted is out now and you can give it a listen below.