After a progression from post-rock to mariachi-influenced rock, Tucson-based outfit Calexico has completed yet another transformation: This week's release of "Garden Ruin" is a realization of the band's steady progression from lo-fi experimental to jazz-influenced rock and finally to a more solidly song-oriented Americana sound.
After recording its German-produced and overwhelmingly cinematic debut "Spoke" (1997), Calexico gently changed directions with the follow-up, "The Black Light" (1998). On this sophomore effort, the band mixed in Latin jazz elements to create an intriguing mix of rock and jazz, a sound that the band not only perfected in albums to come, but which also assured Calexico admittance to contemporary avant-garde status. Hence, Calexico affectionately became known as "that indie mariachi band."
Maybe as a result of dislike for that moniker, or maybe by dint of touring with such established acts as Wilco and Iron & Wine (as well as 2005's collaboration with the latter, entitled "In the Reins"), Calexico has found a new calling on "Garden Ruin": a movement towards the mainstream.
First and foremost, experienced Calexico listeners will notice that "Garden Ruin" lacks an instrumental track - a staple of all Calexico albums up to this point. But what the band does instead is provide fans with a series of well-crafted and melodious pop songs.
"Garden"'s opener, "Cruel" sets the tone of the entire album. On this track, a slow acoustic beginning quickly gives way to a driving steel guitar and eventually to a trumpet fanfare following the bridge. After listening to the track, one realizes that the rest will be a similarly constructed blend of Calexico's proven aesthetic in a more accessible pop style. This blend manifests itself through three distinct song categories: Calexico's token blend of rock and jazz elements, alternative country, and bona fide Americana.
It would be a totally unexpected departure from its signature sound if Calexico had not composed any songs in the first genre, it being the band's proven niche. Still, their inclusion is notable, since the quality of these songs is far more refined than on any other effort. This category encompasses songs like "Roka" and "Nom De Plume." The former is one of the album's strongest tracks, a sobering macabre duet complete with Spanish vocals, mariachi trumpets and an Afro-Cuban jazz-influenced piano. Seasoned fans of Calexico will be wowed at just how far the band has perfected their veteran sound.
"Yours and Mine," "Panic Open String" and "All Systems Red" constitute the alternative country part of this record. Each song relies heavily on vocals underscored by soft country ballads in the way of Whiskeytown or the earlier works of former tourmates Wilco. And employing a glockenspiel and organ on "Panic Open String" only augments their already impressive instrumental repertoire.
The other six tracks of "Garden Ruin" fall into the last category: Americana pop. As can be expected from any change of artistic direction, not all of these songs are perfect. Despite starting strong, "Letter to Bowie Knife" gets annoying when the backup vocals come in on the latter part of the track.
"Deep Down" also progressively worsens as Calexico's playing becomes slightly cacophonous in the middle of the song and the vocals falter.
Still, other Americana songs on "Garden Ruin" more than make up for Calexico's shortcomings elsewhere. "Bisbee Blue," a wistful homage to Bisbee, Arizona, the town in (and occasionally about) which the album was written, as well as "Lucky Dime," a bouncy and sing-songy tune, are solid tracks that confirm Calexico's ability to successfully integrate pop elements.
"Garden Ruin" is a sensible follow-up to 2003's "Feast of Wire" and "In the Reins." Calexico has realized a transformation from experimental to wholly song-oriented rock, and with finesse. In the midst of that transformation, they could have opted to sacrifice their proven rock and jazz nuances. Instead, they have maintained a highly stylized sound, and - in the face of venturing into uncharted waters - they have even enhanced that sound.
Although a few songs on "Garden Ruin" may disappoint, and the more mainstream sound may put off aficionados of Calexico's former quirkiness, it is a solid record cut by some of the most versatile artists in the business.
