On One Breath, the second record from the 33-year-old Brit, the singer has had an upgrade. That is, the album isn’t a grand sonic reinvention, but a greater all round achievement than her debut.
That’s not a bad feat given the remarkable impression the gothic guitar rock of her self-titled debut left in 2011.
While Calvi has left behind the eerie qualities of her first record, the nuances of her sophomore effort are enhanced by greater complexities.
The xylophonic vibrations on ‘Suddenly’ and ‘Carry Me Over’ and the haunting echo on ‘Sing To Me’ allow for a depth not previously heard from the singer-songwriter.
The same can be said for her vocals. The wails of ‘Cry’ and ‘Sing To Me’ are more ecstatic, yet Calvi demonstrates melodic restraint on ‘Piece By Piece’.
However the striking differentiation between her debut and One Breath is the heightened sense of ferocity in the record’s intense moments, which is balanced by poignant junctures.
‘Piece By Piece’ sticks to the middle ground until an instrumental obtrusion midway through. ‘Cry’ continually deviates from the fury of the declaration of the chorus – “if you love me why don’t you cry” declares Calvi – back to a steady pace again.
Even ‘Love Of My Life’ battles between explosions of grunge and a tempo that is far less forceful. These sonic deviations are the ultimate ploy in ensuring the listener stays engaged.
Elsewhere the symphonic breakdown of ‘Sing To Me’ is stunning enough to hold your attention.
Needless to say there is a greater intent on One Breath. The drama here – not far from the level of cinematic – is felt through the heaviness of the drums on ‘Eliza’ and the brunt of ‘Tristan’.
Even the orchestral inclusion on the title track has much more impact than its debut counterparts, which languish in the background.
But for all the tension on her sophomore release the final ballad-esque tracks in ‘Bleed Into Me’ and ‘The Bridge’ prove that regardless of the sounds that surround Calvi’s voice her themes of love, life and death always cut through.
One Breath as the next step in the British singer’s artistic course demonstrates just the right amount of progression for this seriously impressive musician to keep on making her mark.
