Callum Easter – Delete Forever

Delete Forever, the second mini-album from Edinburgh's Callum Easter, makes good on the singer-songwriter/producer's already distinctive sound. Late last year his debut showcased a rich, bluesy voice and an ear for an eerie, atmospheric melody, but these six new songs confirm what we suspected: this is locally grown, intelligent, unearthly pop. Easter's coming from a solid musical heritage, too. Both records were created in Leith's Soulpunk studio, home to Young Fathers, Law Holt and Iklan, and led by Tim London.

It's no surprise, then, that roughly half of Delete Forever shares a similar gravelly static with his studio siblings. Opener Promises feels familiar from the outset, as that churning, organ-like buzz sets an aural smokescreen for Easter's submerged vocals. Then, on Lonely World and later on Pop Goes the Weasel, Easter clearly states his difference – his crooning vocals lend a kind of old-fashioned, troubadour swagger which contrasts with warped, off-kilter, dizzying beats. 

Silhouette is an even darker turn; percussion builds as Easter murmurs 'I'm going down / down / down', and each iteration gathers force. Emotional harmonies from the Leith Congregational Choir back up Easter's declarations until everything disintegrates into a swirling, satisfying, almighty muddle, and you're left with little doubt that his is a brave new voice.

Listen to: Silhouette, Promises