Cal Rifkin Launch “Better Luck Next Year” EP

Cal Rifkin are a DC power pop trio that 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 Beach Boys-esque harmonies layered over sugary hooks, Cal Rifkin‘s latest EP, Better Luck Next Year, effortlessly captures the essence of 70’s 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. The uncomplicated melodies and driving lead guitar complement the groove of the rhythm section in a way that sticks in your head for days.

The EP features five songs, each touching on themes of unrequited love and heartache. Down South expresses the pain of hearing a lover’s song about someone else, while Break My Heart is about coming to terms with the idea that heartbreak may be the best outcome. Both the title track and I Know I Can’t Stay reflect on the difficulty of ending a relationship that you know is doomed to fail anyway, and Skater Vidz yearns for connection and the desire to share a simple pleasure with someone special.

With its bright guitars and infectious melodies, the only way to fully appreciate Better Luck Next Year is while resting on a checkered blanket in the warm sunshine of a spring day. Whether you’re a casual listener or a power pop aficionado, these tunes are impossible not to love, and with this EP, Cal Rifkin have proven their ability to craft catchy, heartfelt tracks that stay with the listener long after the final notes have faded.