Calexico: Feast Of Wire : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

A fine album for rumination, particularly if what you're ruminating on is death, Feast of Wire simmers with the desolate desperation that has earned Calexico a niche as an authentic voice of the American desert. This prolific Tuscon duo (bolstered by a revolving lineup of guest musicians) doesn't make a lot of noise -- songs are driven by solitary snare drums and limply plucked mandolins with occasional trumpet blasts breaking the reverie. This quietness gives Calexico's songs the veneer of a persistent, inexorable fatalism. Even the melodically upbeat ones sucker punch us with solemnity: "Alberto hits his brother on the back of the head/Looks to the north as he starts to get up" goes the opening lyric of "Across the Wire," one of the cheeriest-sounding tunes. This atmospheric album requires attention for maximum appreciation; without it, you'll graze on the hooky first two tracks, "Sunken Waltz" and "Quattro (World Drifts In)" but snooze through the rest. Give it a chance -- just don't expect a sing-along.

JEREMY SIMON
(February 18, 2003)