Calexico's sound, which falls somewhere between film music, surf rock, mariachi, jazz, and alt-country, has always been difficult to classify, but whereas many bands of Calexico's indie standing would push further into esoterica, Calexico move more into the mainstream on 2006's GARDEN RUIN. All 11 tunes are focused, tightly constructed excursions into standard folk, country, and indie rock.
None of this is to say that the band has lost its flair for creative arrangements or distinctive sounds. Pedal steel, strings, and brass all uphold Calexico's Tex-Mex chamber pop pedigree. Longtime fans needn't worry: Calexico still sound like no one else, but their new commitment to singable melodies and general accessibility might very well expand their audience.
Professional Reviews
Uncut (p.104) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[D]iscreet songs. On the 11 tracks, Burns reveals himself to be a student of the Cali classics as he echoes Gram, Neil Young and Lindsey Buckingham, among other quirky songsmiths."
Magnet (p.88) - "With GARDEN RUIN, Calexico has made alt-rock -- crossed with mariachi and norteno zest -- the center of its varies swirl."
Global Rhythm (Publication) (p.48) - "GARDEN RUIN is a lush, beautiful album that leans on the [band's] pop sensibilities..."
Mojo (Publisher) (p.99) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[S]ome of its finest moments are its most intimate and least arranged; like the simple guitar and voice opening to 'Yours And Mine' which sounds like a languid, weather-beaten Tim Hardin song..."
