Nick Pipitone of Monster Riff described how the band are "influenced just as much by Dr. John and Mississippi bluesman Junior Kimbrough as they are by Black Sabbath and progressive metal" and that their music can "venture from bluesy riffs and folk tales to spacey neo-psychedelic to punishing doom rock." Similarly, Rob Hughes of Classic Rock Magazine noted how "[All Them Witches are] as likely to create boiling riptides of bluesy psychedelia as they are pools of mystic folk and doomy ambience."
The band consists of Charles Michael Parks, Jr (vocals, bass, guitar), Ben Mcleod (guitar, formerly vocals) and Robby Staebler (drums). Formed in 2012, All Them Witches were quick to release their debut, Our Mother Electricity. It consisted of a heavy blend of stoner rock-y guitars and bass, rhodes and powerful, rhythmic drums. This would set the cornerstone for their sound, soon developing into the more mysterious grooves and atmosphere on 2013's followup Lightning At The Door. This release gained real traction for the band and gave them their likely most well-known track to date, When God Comes Back.
Taking a break from the creative front, the band released a live album in 2015, featuring a bluesy cover of Albert King's Born Under A Bad Sign. Not long after, they announced their third studio release, Dying Surfer Meets His Maker. Much like the rest of their catalogue, this album truly showcased every member's best abilities. From calm opener Call Me Star to emotional ending track Blood And Sand/Milk And Endless Waters, the album won fans' hearts, and gained the band more well deserved attention.
That brings us to their 2016 live release, recorded from a show in Brussels, which contains the band playing older songs as well as another cover, being of Abner Jay's My Middle Name Is The Blues.
Keyboardist/violinist Allan van Cleave left the band around this time, shortly replaced by keyboardist Jonathan Draper.
Not long after, in February 2017, they came out with another amazing record. Sleeping Through The War made quick success, being a unique, spacey album notably produced by Dave Cobb. It added dynamics and, surprisingly, more atmosphere to what was already a steadily evolving sound from such an active, young band.
2018's self-titled ATW was announced to be the band's first release without a keyboard player, after Draper's departure. This album's characteristics include groovy stoner riffs with blues influence, slowing down and speeding up throughout the LP, ending with the haunting Rob's Dream.
Nearly two years later, and after a lot of touring, the band has come out with their latest record, Nothing As The Ideal, recorded at Abbey Road Studios. Harboring a sound akin to that of their single 1X1, this album is by far the group's heaviest--though it does contain softer ballads like Everest and the incredibly emotional Rats in Ruin.
Call Me Star
All Them Witches Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Alone, I take few upon my tongue
Call me straight, light upon
Falling, oh
The pale grow slow
I'll stay away
Everyone deserves a crown of light
I'll stay away
'Cause after all
Everyone deserves a crown of light
The lyrics of All Them Witches's song "Call Me Star" could be interpreted in different ways, but one possible meaning is about the struggle of an individual to find meaning, purpose, and a sense of identity in a world that seems indifferent or hostile. The repetition of "Call me" might suggest a desire to be recognized, acknowledged, or named, but the singer seems to distance themselves from the expectations or judgments of others by using a pseudonym, "star". The line "alone, I take few upon my tongue" could refer to the difficulty of expressing oneself clearly or honestly, to the fear of being misunderstood or rejected, or to the realization that words are often inadequate or deceptive.
The next lines, "call me straight, light upon, falling, oh, the pale grow slow", could be interpreted as a metaphorical description of an experience of enlightenment, revelation, or awakening, where the singer becomes aware of their own limitations, failures, or fears, but also of the beauty, truth, and interconnectedness of the universe. The image of falling could suggest a loss of control or a surrender to gravity, but also a sense of freedom or weightlessness. The reference to the "pale" growing slow could connote a gradual process of decay, aging, or indifference, or a recognition of the fleetingness and fragility of life.
The chorus, "I'll stay away, 'cause after all, everyone deserves a crown of light", could have different meanings depending on the perspective of the singer. It could be read as a statement of humility or selflessness, where the singer chooses to avoid fame, recognition, or power, recognizing that everyone has the potential to shine and to be recognized for their own worth. Alternatively, it could be read as a critique of societal norms and hierarchies, where the singer refuses to accept a false sense of superiority or inferiority based on external criteria, recognizing that everyone is worthy of respect, dignity, and self-expression.
Line by Line Meaning
Call me star
Refer to me as a shining celestial object in the vastness of space
Alone, I take few upon my tongue
In solitude, I speak only a few words
Call me straight, light upon
Address me as someone who is honest and transparent, shining like a beam of light
Falling, oh
Descending downward in a state of awe
The pale grow slow
Those who lack vitality or vigor develop gradually and sluggishly
I'll stay away
I will remain distant
'Cause after all
Because in the end
Everyone deserves a crown of light
Each individual deserves to be recognized for their radiance and brilliance
I'll stay away
I will keep my distance
'Cause after all
For in the end
Everyone deserves a crown of light
Each person deserves to be acknowledged for their luminescence and splendor
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Allan Barret Van Cleave, Benjamin McLeod, Charles Michael Parks, James Robert Staebler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
adhithya sodhi
Don' t know how I missed this version, but - God, these guys just continue to amaze
Iain Cook
Aren't they a National Treasure? The version on the Lost and Found EP is sublime. This is the "Nirvana Unplugged" moment.
Cosmic FuzzFm
Had no idea he was as proficient on fiddle as he is on that Rhodes. What an incredible band of gents!
Ben Freund
@Cannon Fodder He's back now apparently!
Varun
@Cannon Fodder Really? I thought he left due to some creative differences lol
Cannon Fodder
@heart & Soul 37 Muskie Trout It's their old keyboard player. He left in like 2017 to get a degree.
heart & Soul 37 Muskie Trout
Who is guy playing that? Not in band just friend or something?
Phylly San Antonio
He is cool. They are all great guys.
MrsHendo Crescendo
Played this song in the background at my wedding. ❤️ We'll also get to see them in May at Shakey Knees for our 1 year anniversary. 😊 They are so wonderful.
Perrin
This is just sublime musicianship, gives me goosebumps.