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"Like the soundtrack to an old Peckinpah western, Calexico continue to
brilliantly distil a little south ‘o’ the border salsa with American
country twang, while synergising these sultry tones with tranquil
indie-rock." |
Calexico
 
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| Garden Ruin |
By: Dimitri Kalagas |
Like the soundtrack to an old Peckinpah western, Calexico continue to brilliantly distil a little south ‘o’ the border salsa with American country twang, while synergising these sultry tones with tranquil indie-rock. Lacking the instrumental diversity and ambient mood tunes of 2003’s legendary Feast of Wire LP, Garden Ruin presents a very different, simpler affair. It’s an interesting change that allows Joey Burns’ honeyed vocals to bathe in the limelight, but one that might leave some folks a tad disappointed and perhaps craving the richness of previous recordings. Also frustrating are one or two uninspired moments, and a quirky Mexican/Serge Gainsbourg number that detract from an otherwise distinguished LP. Perhaps last year’s much applauded collaboration with Iron & Wine diverted Calexico’s focus somewhat. That said, the tender tones of tracks like opener ‘Cruel’, the crescendo of finale ‘All systems red’ and the elation of ‘Deep down’ are not to be missed.
Daniel Aron
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