Jeremy Calvar has made a name for himself as a solo artist with his unique blend of pop, pop-punk, alternative, and emo rock, and his latest single “Lightfoot Sunflower” proves he is not slowing down anytime soon. The rambunctious rock track is a breath of fresh air in today’s music scene, bringing back the energy of the early 2000s alternative movement that made bands like Three Days Grace, Breaking Benjamin, and countless others so popular.
Starting off with an infectious guitar riff, the track quickly builds up into a frenzied chorus that is sure to get anyone’s attention right away. Calvar’s impressive vocal performance adds to the intensity of the song, with his emotionally driven lyrics and powerful delivery reminiscent of the late Chester Bennington of Linkin Park. It’s a bold presence that you don’t usually see amongst modern rockstars, especially in the indie rock scene, and that’s exactly what gives Calvar the memorable presence needed to make a lasting impression amongst listeners.
Calvar’s ability to blend different genres is on full display in “Lightfoot Sunflower”. The song’s upbeat tempo and pop-punk influence are balanced out by heavier riffs and a hint of emo rock, creating a sound that feels fresh and familiar all at once. The track is a testament to Calvar’s musical versatility, proving that he can seamlessly switch between different styles while maintaining his own unique sound and allowing the song to work not only as a single but as the final track for his most recent EP i43toinfinity, there’s a good amount of musical juggling going on (and successfully landing.)
As remarked upon earlier, “Lightfoot Sunflower” feels like it could have been a hit during the early 2000s alt-rock boom, but that exact energy is one of the major pieces that allows it to grow larger than most modern rock songs. It’s a track that feels classic in its compositional style and production, but Calvar’s own unique style and vocal delivery make the song stand out on its own. There is a timeless rock quality to the song that simultaneously allows it to feel like a time capsule, unearthed just in time for the style to emerge as something major once more.
One of the standout elements of the track is the guitar work, with the catchy riff driving the song forward and creating a sense of urgency. The single works out a balance between the band that doesn’t put one sound over the others, and the thrashy guitar riff works perfectly without feeling like it’s stealing the spotlight. There is as much focus on Calvar’s pop-punk inflection as there is on the pop-punk production, and it feels like we’re going back in time every time we hear it.
Overall, “Lightfoot Sunflower” is a strong addition to Jeremy Calvar’s discography, showcasing his musical versatility and ability to create catchy, high-energy tracks. The song feels like a throwback to the early 2000s alt-rock scene, but Calvar’s own unique style and vocal performance make it stand out on its own. With yet another upcoming EP in the works, it will be exciting to see what else Calvar has in store for his fans, (and whether or not he can singlehandedly resurrect the Van’s Warped Tour.) Fingers crossed!
Heather Savage