Artist: Cal Osten
Song: “Around the Bend”
Album: Sweet Lines to Read Between
Label: Eggplant Records
Genre: Indie, Indie Folk, Indie Rock
Cal Osten is looking to keep things real. The multi instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and producer believes in the DIY ethos of art creation, and proudly just self-released his debut album without a touch of A.I.. With mixing help from Jack Endino (Nirvana, Soundgarden), the Seattle artist’s new LP brings together dream pop, shoegaze, folk, country and alternative influences for blend that is all their own.
A highlight of the album is “Around the Bend” (NOT a CCR cover). Opening with a lush arrangement built around Osten’s piano playing and reverb-heavy guitars, the song swoons with Osten’s dreamy, doo-wop style vocals. The lyrics paint a melancholy, romantic landscape (“Just hold me while you can. Darling, close your eyes, it’s a while now until sunrise”), that’s brought to life with a baroquely beautiful atmosphere thanks to Osten’s production work.
This one’s worth checking out, so give it a listen in our Check This 2026 Playlist.
The Indy Review 