For 16 years the cinematic, south western sounds of Calexico have been bringing their fans joy.
For this latest release, Calexico geniuses Joey Burns and John Convertino have moved from the fringes of the Sonora desert to the neighbourhood of Algiers in New Orleans.
Algiers is their first record in four years and Calexico have discovered a sound more in alignment with The Jayhawks (read: Americana-Pop) than what they have delivered before.
“Epic” and “Fortune Teller” are charming songs that fit right in that aforementioned genre.
Fans of the darker side of Burns and Convertino may be a tad disappointed by the muted Mariachi and Mexicali influences , but don’t be too alarmed, they are still here.
Craig Schumacher, who has produced a number of Calexico records has ensured the record is warm and enticing.
The title track “Algiers” sits neatly within what people would describe as a Calexico classic, even if it does appear to commence with the sound of a lonesome tugboat on the nearby Mississippi. It is tinged with the notable pedal steel and acoustic guitars and electricity that make up most of Calexico’s catalogue.
“Puerto” is sprinkled with the same tastes and the darker sensibility that Calexico tend to bring to their music. Similarly, “No Te Vayas “may have been recorded in Louisiana but is as typically Calexico as it gets.
They may have drifted from their home to shake up their recording process, but they have not drifted too far from shore.
