Singles Spotlight:
The Calculus –
“Shake the Crown”

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In August, SWT was happy to premiere the video for The Calculus’ song “Palace of The People“. If you haven’t seen that video, I highly recommend doing so after finishing today’s Singles Spotlight. Songwriter and guitarist Vivek Jayaram formed The Calculus in 2017, after getting sober in 2015, and according to the press release for his first album under the The Calculus moniker, GUIDES, “…After spending years playing in bands before careers, family, and life intervened… What began as picking up a guitar again gradually became a body of work exploring recovery, love, work, cities, politics, and the people and experiences that shape who we become.” The album is set to release November 18th. Check out the socials at the end of this post for the latest info.

The release continues, “Deeply influenced by 90s alt rock, power pop, and indie music, The Calculus draws inspiration from artists who pair memorable melodies with thoughtful storytelling. The debut album, GUIDES, was produced by Jonathan Nuñez and features Emile Milgrim (drums), Steph Taylor (bass and backing vocals), and Cassandra Polarco (backing vocals). More than a collection of songs, GUIDES is built around a simple idea: we all need guides. Sometimes they’re people, sometimes they’re places, and sometimes they’re songs that help us make sense of the beautifully unpredictable path through life.”

Right on. It’s an album I’ve been looking forward to for a while, and I’m happy to talk about another song that I would consider anthemic.  This time, “Shake the Crown.”  Just in time for the midterm elections in the US. If you’re reading this fresh off the press, please participate in democracy and vote! Your voice matters at the national, regional, and local levels; don’t be a disaffected voter. If you’re reading this down the road, when’s the next election near you?

I really like the driving melody of great drumbeats and guitar work within “Shake the Crown”, which is catchy and memorable. You’ll be singing along as you listen. Maybe not the first verse or the second. But definitely if you hear the song twice. Kudos if you’re singing along before the closing notes. The melody is well paired with Jayaram’s lead vocals and Taylor’s backing vocals. They have different delivery tones, and putting them together adds depth to the song, making the vocals and lyrics feel more choral to listeners. Causing a group effort of solidarity. Love that. And I think you will too. The lyrics are steadfast in their resolution. Which I hope will be sooner rather than later. Let the wave turn the tides.

Looking further into the song credits:

• Music, lyrics, lead vocals & guitar: Vivek Jayaram
• Drums: Emily Milgrim
• Bass and backing vocals: Steph Taylor
• Produced by Jonathan Núñez
• Recorded at Sound Artillery Studios (Miami, FL)

Check it out for yourself. Watch the awesome video with animation by Ritankar Sahaong for the anthemic song, “Shake The Crown”:

(All credits and rights to The Calculus)

Take a look at the cover art for Guides:

The track list for Guides:

1. Meet Me in Chicago
2. At the Office
3. Palace of the People
4. Friday Night, At the Dade Arcade
5. Pay the Rent
6. Jamie
7. Feelin’ the Heat
8. Waymo
9. Shake the Crown
10. JFK
11. Waiting to Lose You

Alex M Theel

Co-Founder, Reviewer, Content Creator, Business side, Editor at Scummy Water Tower Productions | Web

Scummy Water Tower Productions co-founder, reviewer, business manager, and editor. Thank you for visiting this site, scummywatertower.com, and YouTube for Water Tower Sessions and SWT Interviews. And all of our socials.
Questions, feedback, or more? Contact me: alex@scummywatertower.com