The Callous Heart

The Callous Heart is the second EP by English rock band Creeper. Recorded with producer Neil Kennedy at The Ranch Production House in Southampton, it was originally released in the UK on 18 September 2015 as the band's first release since signing with major label Roadrunner Records in June 2015. The EP was later issued internationally on 15 January 2016.

The Callous Heart
EP by Creeper
Released	18 September 2015 (2015-09-18)
Recorded	2015
Studio	The Ranch Production House (Southampton, England)
Genre	Horror punk punk rock
Length	15:58
Label	Roadrunner
Producer	Neil Kennedy
Creeper chronology
Creeper (2014) The Callous Heart (2015) The Stranger (2016)
Singles from The Callous Heart
"Lie Awake" Released: 10 July 2015 (2015-07-10) "The Honeymoon Suite" Released: 10 August 2015 (2015-08-10)

Written by vocalist Will Gould and guitarists Ian Miles and Sina Nemati, The Callous Heart was supported by the release of music videos for "Lie Awake", "The Honeymoon Suite" and "Allergies". The EP was Creeper's last release to feature Nemati, who left the band in December 2015. Media response to the release was generally positive, with some critics noting a progression from 2014's Creeper.

Background

Following the release and promotion of their self-titled debut EP, Creeper announced on 8 June 2015 that they had signed a recording contract with major label Roadrunner Records.[1] As part of the announcement, they also released the first track and music video from their upcoming second EP, entitled "Lie Awake", which was described in the Roadrunner press release as "the first instalment of a two part story of life, love and obsession".[2] Speaking to Upset magazine shortly after the news was announced, vocalist Will Gould described "Lie Awake" as "the ultimate Creeper song",[3] as well as explaining to Kerrang! that "I wrote this at a time when we were on tour and struggling to sleep. I would lie awake worrying about this life, my lifestyle, my relationships with people back home and the things I've missed out on!"[4] "The Honeymoon Suite" was released as the second song from the EP on 10 August, with the video marking the second part of the story which began with "Lie Awake".[5]

Prior to its release, The Callous Heart was made available for free online streaming on the band's website for 48 hours.[6] The EP was officially released on 18 September 2015, with the band celebrating the release with a launch show at The Old Blue Last in London.[7] A third music video, for the song "Allergies", was released on 23 September.[8] In promotion of the EP, Creeper supported influential horror punk band Misfits on a UK tour in August, followed by a number of shows with emo group Moose Blood in September.[7] In October, they also joined newly formed hardcore punk band Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes on tour in the UK.[9] The Callous Heart was released internationally on 15 January 2016, when it was made available digitally for the first time outside of the UK.[10]

Critical reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Kerrang!	[8]
Upset	[11]

Media response to The Callous Heart was generally positive. Reviewing the EP for Upset magazine, Ali Shutler praised all five tracks and dubbed the release "bewitching".[11] Speaking about the style of the music on the EP, Shutler added that "The storytelling transport that gave Creeper its charm is alive and well here, but instead of scratching tales by candlelight, Creeper are standing, arms outstretched, ready and willing to pull you into this world. And what a world it is."[11] Kerrang! awarded the EP four out of five,[8] while Cassie Whitt of Alternative Press described the style of "The Honeymoon Suite" to bands such as AFI and Tiger Army.[12]

Track listing

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Black Cloud"	Will Gould Ian Miles	3:37
2.	"The Honeymoon Suite"	Gould Miles Sina Nemati	2:50
3.	"Allergies"	Gould Miles Nemati	2:55
4.	"Lie Awake"	Gould Miles Nemati	3:20
5.	"Henley's Ghost"	Gould Miles Nemati	3:16

Personnel

• Will Gould – vocals
• Ian Miles – guitar, backing vocals
• Sina Nemati – guitar
• Sean Scott – bass
• Dan Bratton – drums
• Neil Kennedy – production, engineering

References

1. Carter, Emily (8 June 2015). "Creeper Sign To Roadrunner Records, Release New Video". Kerrang!. Bauer Media Group. Retrieved 20 November 2016.
2. "Creeper Sign To Roadrunner Records UK!". Roadrunner Records. 8 June 2015. Retrieved 20 November 2016.
3. "Interview: Creeper: Only in dreams". Upset. The Bunker Publishing. Retrieved 20 November 2016.
4. Garner, George (6 May 2016). "101 Secrets Behind The Songs". Kerrang!. Bauer Media Group. Retrieved 20 November 2016.
5. Munro, Scott (10 August 2015). "Creeper issue Honeymoon video". Metal Hammer. TeamRock. Retrieved 20 November 2016.
6. Carter, Emily (15 September 2015). "Listen To Creeper's New The Callous Heart EP". Kerrang!. Bauer Media Group. Retrieved 20 November 2016.
7. Carter, Emily (13 July 2015). "Creeper Announce The Callous Heart EP Release Show". Kerrang!. Bauer Media Group. Retrieved 20 November 2016.
8. Carter, Emily (23 September 2015). "Creeper Unveil Live Video For Allergies". Kerrang!. Bauer Media Group. Retrieved 20 November 2016.
9. Shutler, Ali. "Frank Carter adds Creeper to his UK tour". Upset. The Bunker Publishing. Retrieved 20 November 2016.
10. Whitt, Cassie (14 January 2016). "Creeper to release 'The Callous Heart' EP internationally". Alternative Press. Retrieved 20 November 2016.
11. Shutler, Ali. "Creeper - The Callous Heart EP". Upset. The Bunker Publishing. Retrieved 20 November 2016.
12. Whitt, Cassie (31 August 2015). "12 new songs you need to hear from August 2015". Alternative Press. Retrieved 20 November 2016.

External links

• The Callous Heart at YouTube (stream where licensed)
• The Callous Heart at Discogs