Calexico
The Thread That Keeps Us

At the remarkable milestone of their tenth studio album, Burns and Convertino do not relent and gift us yet another little gem in their discography.

“The Thread That Keeps Us,” the new work by Calexico, arrives two years after the excellent Edge Of The Sun and confirms the enviable form of the now historic American band. Recorded this time in California, it is an album that takes multiple paths; the two do not abandon the band's sonic trademark but simultaneously surprise with an unexpected creative streak even in episodes less aligned with their classic style.

The explosive opening triptych is illustrative in this regard; if the single “End Of The World With You” settles into a rather canonical folk rock, “Voices In The Field” combines flamenco and psychedelia while “Bridge To Nowhere” delights with a decisive Radiohead-like stride, without abandoning tex-mex fascinations. For example, “Flores Y Tamales,” in Spanish, is the epitome of this latter trend, while there are also decidedly rock moments that break the atmosphere, miraculously without affecting the homogeneity of the offering; consider the funk complete with brass of “Under The Wheels,” the blues rock of “Dead In The Water,” and the evident tribute to the Pixies in “Eyes Wide Awake.”

The spirits “calm” only at the end, with two slow tracks that serve as a worthy conclusion to a truly focused work; these are the smoky ballad “Thrown To The Wild” and the delightful acoustic sketch “Music Box,” truly perfect as a farewell.

The offering from Calexico has never been so evocative and powerful; the band feels at ease ranging between various atmospheres and paying homage to various styles seamlessly. The lyrical themes are always sharp and sincere, far removed from crude populism; everything is not only appropriate but fresh and highly recognizable, despite the fifty years experienced by the protagonists.

“The Thread That Keeps Us” is yet another jewel set in the discography of Burns and Convertino. An excellent musical journey to be undertaken with satisfaction at the beginning of 2018.

Best track: Bridge To Nowhere