speed of dark

Yesterday Calla released their fifth CD, Strength In Numbers. I have liked this band since the smoldering "It Dawned On Me" from 2005's Collisions caught my attention. From there I back-tracked to their 2003 album "Televised" and found several songs I liked there as well. If there is any flaw, it's that Calla never, ever deviate from their somber mold, but that's OK with me. This is definitely not happy-happy party music, but it is surely powerful and magnetic. It is great for late nights and earphones, and I like this kind of stuff for driving.

From listening to most of the tracks on Strength In Numbers, I would say that this album is at least as good as the previous ones, perhaps better. The smokey atmosphere and low-key drawl are immediately familiar. As usual, the tone is moody without becoming depressing. The guitars are delicious throughout, and that counts for a lot with me. The instrumental "Malo" and the lovely, melancholy "A Sure Shot" contain a hint of Spanish melodies that reflect the Texas roots of the members.

"Sanctify," "Bronson" (the pre-release single), the short but incendiary "Le Gusta el Fuego," and "Simone" (pronouned the Spanish way: Si-mo-NAY) provide the most "crunch" and energy. "Defenses Down" is a beautiful song about loss of innocence and fall from grace. I can also recommend "Stand Paralyzed" and "Malicious Manner." All in all, there are more interesting songs on this album than poor ones, and I can't at this time choose a favorite. The more I listen to it, the better I like it. It definitely gets my seal of approval.

Although the members originally came from Texas, Calla was formed in New York City in 1997 by Aurelio Valle (guitar, vocals), Sean Donovan (bass, keyboards, programming), and Wayne B. Magruder (percussion, programming), with Peter Gannon joining in 2003. Calla will be one of the showcase bands at SXSW next month.

It's very hard to limit myself, and these are just a few of the tracks that show Calla at their best:

Simone from Strength In Numbers (2007)

Swagger from Collisions (2005)

Strangler from Televised (2003)

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Buy at amazon | emusic | itunes (bonus track with album download)