Cal Rifkin Delivers a Bittersweet Power Pop Treat with New Single "Big Star"
“Grimm can sing that chorus as understated as possible, but it’s still going to be a runaway train.” - Rosey Overdrive
“Washington D.C. band Cal Rifkin fall somewhere on the emo spectrum of power pop. [...] Their sound is somehow both dialed down and dialed up. In the end, the combination of cranked guitars and low-key vocals coats their new EP Better Luck Next Year with an alluring vibe.” - Poprock Record
“[Better Luck Next Year] plays like a distillation of their signature style, namely hook-laden power pop with singalong choruses, vocal harmonies and enough noisy rock ‘n roll grit to keep the rock heads onside. There’s absolutely no filler across the record, but current favourite ‘Break My Heart’ might be the best introduction. It’s an energetic rock song that skirts the line between cool and sincere, complete with a ludicrously catchy chorus.” - Various Small Flames
About Cal Rifkin
Cal Rifkin is a power pop group from the Nation’s Capital consisting of Erik Grimm (Guitar/Vocals), Keith Butler Jr. (Drums), and Robin Rhodes (Bass). The band formed in the Fall of 2018 and was solidified by the members’ shared love for greasy Ledo’s pizza, early 90’s baseball aesthetics, and rock ‘n’ roll music.
Chock full of jangly guitars, big riffs, and gorgeous Beach Boys-esque harmonies layered over sugary hooks, Cal Rifkin's latest EP, Better Luck Next Year (2023) effortlessly captures the essence of ‘70s power pop. The lyrics strike a delicate balance between self-aware and heartachingly sincere, and the delivery is intimate and earnest without taking itself too seriously. Grimm’s uncomplicated melodies and driving lead guitar complement the groove of the rhythm section in a way that sticks with you for days.
Songwriter Erik Grimm on the track
"Big Star" was heavily inspired by a few 70’s power pop bands I was listening to at the time I wrote it. Bands like Television, The Feelies, Shoes and Big Star. Sonically, I wanted to capture the vibe of that era and style with the bright jangly dueling guitars, the warm dry drum sound, and the layered harmonies. Our mixing engineer, Kyle Pulley from Headroom Studios in Philly, really helped keep that 70’s vibe while still making the song sound big and modern.
Lyrically, the song is a story about bad timing and what happens when you wait too long to go for the things that you want. I wanted to write a song that was genuine and heartfelt but that also pointed out the absurdity and comedy in the situation at hand. As always though, the goal was mostly to make a fun power pop song with a catchy hook and a guitar solo.
Follow Cal Rifkin:
IG - https://www.instagram.com/cal_rifkin
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@calrifkin1922
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@calrifkin
Tour Dates - https://www.songkick.com/artists/10098964-cal-rifkin
Bandcamp - https://calrifkin.bandcamp.com/
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/2ymLXO9afSV4DKsCTNeMIn?si=xL1X8JXVTjCevB9kFk9mkA
