Cal Rifkin Delivers Shredding Power Pop with New Single "Bummer Days"
“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
"Bummer Days is the heaviest and darkest song we’ve put out. Sonically it is meant to capture the oppressive feeling of DC humidity and heat in the peak of summer. For me, different seasons and times of the year always trigger specific memories and emotions. The summertime can trigger feelings of loss and feeling weighed down, which the song explores.
The song was produced and mixed by Liam Hughes of Ekko Astral. In the mixing stage he sent multiple instruments through his guitar pedal board, adding and taking away different effects throughout the song which enhanced its chaotic and explosive nature. I wanted this song to have the same rawness as bands I love like Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr. and Joy Division. At least that’s my excuse for the slightly out of tune guitars."
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
