Degreed – ‘Curtain Calls’

(Frontiers Records)

Degreed’s Curtain Calls lands with the kind of confidence that only a seasoned melodic rock outfit can deliver. This isn’t a band testing the waters or chasing trends, they’ve clearly honed their identity, and here they double down on it with polish, punch, and a surprising amount of emotional weight. If modern melodic rock is about balancing arena-sized hooks with a contemporary edge, then Curtain Calls absolutely nails that brief.

Right from the outset, there’s a sense that Degreed are aiming high. The production is big, glossy, and unapologetically modern, but never sterile. It breathes. The guitars have bite without drowning in over-processing, the keyboards add texture rather than clutter, and the rhythm section locks everything down with precision. It’s the kind of mix that feels tailor-made for repeat listens, headphones, car stereo, or cranked up loud on a Friday night.

What really stands out, though, is the band’s knack for dynamics. Too many melodic rock albums fall into the trap of being all gas, no brakes, chorus after chorus without contrast. Not here. Curtain Calls understands pacing. There are moments that soar, moments that pull back, and moments that hit with a bit more grit than you might expect. That ebb and flow gives the album a sense of journey, rather than just a collection of songs.

Vocally, this is top-tier stuff. Robin Eriksson’s performance is full of character – strong, melodic, and emotionally convincing without tipping into melodrama. There’s a warmth in the delivery that keeps things grounded, even when the arrangements are at their most anthemic. You believe what you’re hearing, and that’s half the battle won in a genre that lives and dies by its sincerity.

Lyrically, the album leans into themes that will be familiar to fans of the genre, resilience, reflection, relationships, and that ever-present sense of pushing forward despite setbacks. But it’s handled with enough nuance to avoid cliché. There’s a reflective streak running through the album that gives it a bit more depth than your average fist-pumping rock release. It’s not just about the highs; it acknowledges the lows too, and that balance adds credibility.

One of the album’s strongest qualities is its consistency. There’s no obvious dip in quality, no moment where things feel phoned in. That’s not to say everything sounds the same, far from it but there’s a clear vision tying it all together. Each piece feels like it belongs, contributing to the overall tone and atmosphere. It’s cohesive without being repetitive, which is no small feat.

Daniel Johansson’s guitar work deserves a nod as well. It walks that fine line between technical proficiency and tasteful restraint. There are flashes of flair where needed, but the focus is always on serving the song. Riffs are memorable without being overbearing, and the solos, when they arrive, feel earned rather than obligatory. It’s the kind of playing that reminds you why melodic rock still has a place in the modern landscape.

And speaking of modern, Curtain Calls does a great job of sounding current without losing its roots. You can hear the classic influences in the DNA, those big choruses, those layered harmonies, but they’re presented through a contemporary lens. The production choices, the subtle electronic elements, and the overall sonic clarity all point to a band that understands where the genre is today, not just where it’s been.

There’s also an underlying sense of maturity here. This feels like a band that’s comfortable in its own skin, not trying to prove anything but still eager to deliver the best possible version of itself. That confidence translates into the music – it’s assured, focused, and free of unnecessary gimmicks. Everything feels intentional.

If there’s any criticism to be made, it’s that the album plays things a little safe at times. While it’s executed extremely well, it doesn’t radically reinvent the wheel. But then again, that might be missing the point. Curtain Calls isn’t about tearing up the rulebook, it’s about refining it, polishing it, and delivering it with style and conviction. And on that front, it succeeds.

‘One Helluva Ride’ kicks things off with swagger and intent, this opener sets the tone perfectly. It’s energetic without being reckless, built on a driving rhythm and a chorus that immediately sticks. There’s a real sense of momentum here, like the band is throwing the doors open and saying, “you’re in for something big.” It’s polished, punchy, and exactly what you want from a first track.

‘Holding On To Yesterday’ leans more into the emotional core of the band’s sound. There’s a reflective quality running through it, with a slightly more restrained approach that allows the melody to breathe. The chorus has that bittersweet lift – melancholy wrapped in something anthemic. It’s a great early shift in tone that shows there’s more depth here than just straight-ahead rockers.

‘Believe’ - now we’re back into full-on melodic rock territory. This track thrives on positivity and uplift, driven by a strong hook and a confident vocal performance. There’s a sense of purpose here and it feels like one of those songs designed to connect live, with a chorus built for crowd participation. Big, bright, and undeniably catchy.

‘Guiding Light’ is a standout in terms of atmosphere, this one takes a slightly more layered approach. The arrangement feels richer, with keys and guitars working together to create something a bit more expansive. It’s got that slow-burn quality, building steadily before opening up into a soaring refrain. Emotionally resonant without overplaying its hand.

‘My Blood’ – here’s where things get a bit grittier. There’s a tougher edge to this track, both musically and vocally. The energy is more urgent, the delivery more intense. It adds a nice bit of bite to the album at just the right moment, preventing things from getting too polished or predictable. A real shot of adrenaline midway through.

‘Curtain Calls’ carries a certain weight, and it delivers. There’s a sense of scale here, everything feels just a little bigger, a little more deliberate. It balances reflection with grandeur, almost like a mission statement for the album as a whole. Strong melodic lines, a confident build, and a chorus that feels earned rather than forced.

‘The Rambler’ – This is where the band loosens the reins a bit. There’s a more relaxed, almost playful vibe running through it, without losing that melodic backbone. It adds variety and keeps the album from becoming too uniform. The groove is infectious, and there’s a subtle charm to it that makes it linger after it’s done.

‘Matter Of The Heart’ – back into emotional territory but handled with finesse. This one leans into sincerity, with a heartfelt vocal and a melody that tugs without dragging. It’s not overly dramatic, it just feels genuine. The kind of track that quietly becomes a favourite over time rather than demanding attention straight away.

‘Broken Dreams’ – There’s a slightly darker tone here, both musically and lyrically. It taps into that classic melodic rock theme of struggle and resilience, but with a bit more weight behind it. The arrangement supports that mood nicely, less gloss, more grit. It’s one of the album’s more introspective moments, and it lands well.

‘Promise Me’ – closing things out on a strong, emotional note, this track feels like a proper finale. There’s a sense of resolution here, melodic, reflective, and just the right amount of grand. It doesn’t try to outdo everything that came before; instead, it ties it all together with a confident, heartfelt send-off. Exactly how you want an album like this to end.

By the time the album wraps up, you’re left with that satisfying feeling of having experienced something complete. Not just a handful of standout moments, but a full-bodied record that holds together from start to finish. It’s the kind of album that rewards front-to-back listening, which is increasingly rare in the streaming age.

This is melodic rock done right. Big hooks, strong performances, slick production, and just enough heart to keep it from feeling mechanical. It might not shock you, but it will absolutely win you over.

Curtain Calls is a reminder that when this genre is handled with care and craft, it still packs a serious punch. Degreed have delivered an album that feels both familiar and fresh, comfort food for melodic rock fans, but with enough bite to keep things interesting. Crank it up and enjoy the ride.

8/10

Essential Track – ‘Believe’

Review by Woody