Calm Adore Found the Sweet Spot Between Commercial Appeal and Soul in Their Alt-Indie Debut, ‘Stranger’

‘Stranger’, the debut single from Calm Adore, is the perfect way to get acquainted with the indie rock newcomers who deliver the soul-soaring choruses of Sam Fender and the gruff vocal timbre of Richard Hawley, with tinges of Editors in the production that allows you to feel the melodies as they shimmer and blossom. It’s safe to say that Calm Adore has done more than hit the ground running with their debut release; they’ve found the perfect formula—one which finds equilibrium between familiar radio-ready commercial appeal and authenticity that aches with the sincerity of an artist who would give their blood, sweat and tears for their career but keep hold of their soul, because that’s exactly what distinguishes Calm Adore from the indie landfill acts of 2025. After years of writing, recording, and performing together under their former guise, The Penniless Wild, the US-based outfit has reemerged with a refined sound built on analog instrumentation and ambient textures. With layered guitar lines, taut rhythmic tension, and worn-in vocal gravitas. Stranger is now available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify.  Review by Amelia Vandergast

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