Post-Hardcore Legends Caracal Release “Burn” From Their Long-Awaited Third Album

The post-hardcore legends are still standing tall (Credit: Jace How)

The homegrown rock community was built on the shoulders of giants, and Caracal has been one of those immortalised titans that continue to garner reverence. These post-hardcore legends were instrumental in building the foundations of the alternative scene, and over a decade after their formation in 2007, their fortress-like reputation remains not only impenetrable, but increasingly augmented with age. Because 10 years after their sophomore full-length, Caracal is now on the cusp of their third album titled Effigies.

Scheduled for a 1 August release, Effigies marks a major milestone for Caracal following a forced hiatus during the pandemic. The eight-track collection is also the band’s first album with its current lineup, and the band’s much-awaited offering after a string of comeback shows including Baybeats, *SCAPE Music Day Out, and an opening slot for La Dispute. In KittyWu Records’ press release, Effigies is described as navigating the themes of war, environmental crisis and societal unrest; while revealing glimmers of hope for a brighter future.

Caracal has freshly teased the album’s first single, “Burn”, accompanied with a gritty music video. The track explores to-and-fro duality in verses. Pristine sung vocals give way to guttural growls and wails, reined-in drums release bedlams of percussive power, and melodic guitar trails lead to peaks of distorted chords – smouldering moments that swell into infernos. Its hefty juggernaut chorus also bashes through any misgivings about Caracal losing their lustre, denting with hell-bent precision and force. The track was also recorded and mixed by the inimitable Leonard Soosay, longtime collaborator of the band.

Caracal currently consists of Rachel Lu (vox), Field Teo (guitar), Michelle Quek (guitar), Trent Davis (bass) and Martin Kong (drums) [Credit: Jace How]

“The song will be familiar to anyone whose shared journey with a significant other reaches an impasse. On one hand, it’s tempting to wish for that person to suffer, for discarding you and not bringing you on their new path. On the other hand, you want them to chase their dreams and succeed without obstacles – even if one of those obstacles is you,” the band elaborates.

“Burn” is a slow-burn, but it lays itself bare while exhibiting a hardened and seasoned nature forged by a band tested by longevity.

Listen to “Burn” by Caracal on Bandcamp or Spotify. Follow Caracal on Instagram to stay updated with their activities.