Calexico: A departure from routine
By Chris Nixon
For The San Diego Union-Tribune
June 8, 2006
With its dual mariachi trumpets, atmospheric vibraphones and strumming nylon-stringed guitar, Tucson-based sextet Calexico captured the clash of cultures along the border with its Southwestern-styled indie rock. Over its first six albums, the band perfected the art of depicting the border's beauty and sadness.
For their seventh album, “Garden Ruin,” singer-guitarist Joey Burns and drummer John Convertino – the duo at the center of Calexico's creative output – decided to evolve the group's sound. Instead of picking up a nylon string guitar to write “Garden Ruin,” Burns chose a more rock-oriented steel string setup. Instead of Convertino's trademark brushes, the percussionist started drumming with traditional wood sticks.
As a result, “Garden Ruin” is Calexico's most song-oriented disc to date, drawing on the pair's indie rock background more than the sound of strolling mariachis. The bones of the band's music remain: Burns' contemplative lyrics and Calexico's talented cast of musicians.
“After years of touring and heading in a natural progression musically, we wanted to challenge ourselves: in the studio, in regards to writing and trying to involve the band members – the touring party – more,” said Burns in a recent interview from his home in Tucson.
“This band has had a natural growth as far as the albums, the instrumentals and the songs with a lot of the Southwestern influence. So this record is quite a departure for us; it's a vehicle for experimentation for us. But instead of it being an experiment in noise and the element of chaos, it's more an experiment in pulling back and being more refined in structure, text and production.”
Ranging from intimate acoustic tunes (“Yours and Mine”) to seething, swirling rockers (“All Systems Red”), Calexico tackles new sonic territory without forgetting the Southwestern aspects driving the band in the past. Burns looks at the band's development as an experiment, something that Calexico has never been afraid to do.
“I think all of us are more experimental than the music at times sounds on our records,” said Burns, who performs Monday at the Belly Up Tavern, the band's first stop at the Solana Beach club. “Our live shows, especially in San Diego, seem to have this spark. Maybe it's because we start our tours in San Diego, and then we head up the West Coast.”
Calexico – guitarist-trumpeter Martin Wenk, stand-up bassist Volker Zander, trumpeter Jacob Valenzuela and pedal steel player Paul Niehaus along with Burns and Convertino – took a leap of faith with “Garden Ruin.” By stepping away from their bread and butter, the band has created its most cohesive album to date.
“I think it's really important to pull back every once in a while,” said Burns. “I think if we had continued on and released another 'Black Light' or 'Hot Rail' record, it would feel unnatural. It's so important to challenge yourself. It's not about how many records you sell or if your songs get on the radio, it's about challenging yourself.”
Chris Nixon is a San Diego music writer.
