Labelled variously as pop-punk, emo, and post-hardcore, Calling All Captains showcase a diverse range of influences on their latest album, (e)motion sickness, an energetic and expansive collection.
Hailing from the suburbs of Edmonton, Alberta, the band has garnered recognition in recent years through a series of compelling releases and an unwavering commitment to touring. They have headlined tours across Canada, shared stages with notable acts such as The Offspring, Pierce the Veil, Billy Talent, and Our Lady Peace, and performed at major festivals including the eclectic Electric Love and the iconic Vans Warped Tour. These experiences have propelled their career forward, leading the CBC, Canada’s national broadcaster, to name them as one of the five acts shaping Canadian pop-punk.
“This marks the first time we’ve written music as a four-piece, and honestly, it felt very freeing,” shares guitarist and vocalist Brad Bremner, representing his bandmates: Connor Dawkins (guitar/vocals), Luc Gauthier (lead vocals), and Tim Wilson (drums). “Given our close relationship and the trust we have in each other, we felt empowered to push ourselves and experiment with new sounds.”
Since the release of their debut EP, Nothing Grows Here, in 2019, Calling All Captains have been notably prolific, quickly establishing themselves as genre-bending innovators in a competitive scene. Their first full-length album, Slowly Getting Better, achieved millions of streams, followed by the acclaimed single “Unlike Me,” which preceded (e)motion sickness. Their relentless touring efforts have further elevated their profile, setting the stage for their most ambitious work to date.
Co-produced with longtime collaborator Quinn Cyrankiewicz, (e)motion sickness offers a refined exploration of Calling All Captains’ unique brand of punk rock. The album opens with “Wallflower,” which bursts forth with a sense of urgency, allowing each band member to showcase their talents. “Be Cool” continues this momentum, highlighting the band’s evolving sonic textures and memorable vocal hooks.
The band also ventures into new territory with tracks like “Float Back,” an understated piece that introduces cool electronic elements, and “One More Day,” featuring Dawkins as the lead vocalist on a stripped-back acoustic arrangement enhanced by strings.
Throughout the album, the band’s candid, heartfelt lyricism remains a cornerstone. “Even with how raw we were on ‘Unlike Me,’ these songs feel even more personal,” Gauthier reflects. He elaborates, “Writing these songs helped me reach a better place. I think that comes from expressing exactly what I’m feeling and not holding back.”
This authenticity is a product of the strong bond formed among the four members through countless hours in the studio and on the road. Their connection resonates with fans, evident in the recent sold-out shows across Western Canada. Dawkins notes, “The experiences we’ve shared—traveling, meeting people, facing challenges—have been incredible. Not many get to experience so much with their best friends, and that drives us to keep pushing and growing.”
(e)motion sickness represents the culmination of their growth thus far, building on Calling All Captains’ solid musical foundation with a broader spectrum of sonic influences and lyrical depth, making their essence a challenge to define fully.
Ultimately, the best way to understand their artistry is to listen for yourself.
