Pitchfork

Founded as an experimental duo, Calexico has been known as a primarily instrumental band, blending southwestern music with indie rock mood. "Two Silver Trees", from their upcoming Carried to Dust, doesn't rewrite that equation so much as it adds a few new variables: a soft synth fanfare as simple-complex as a haiku, a guitar that arpeggiates in and out of existence, a lurking snare-and-bass groove that is becoming something like a band signature. In colliding these two worlds, Calexico have discovered endless musical possibilities.

But over the years Calexico has become a strong vocal band, and not just due to their collaborations with Sam Beam and Neko Case. Since their first release, Joey Burns has grown increasingly ambitious as a songwriter and much more comfortable as a singer, turning his shortcomings-- limited range and force-- into assets that make his songs instantly recognizable. He whisper-sings as if conspiring with the listener, and his breathlessness gives "Two Silver Trees" the ominous quality of ransom demands. As the song explodes into its chorus, he reaches into his upper register and turns the subtle strain into another instrument in the band's arsenal.

MP3:> Calexico: "Two Silver Trees"
[from Carried to Dust; due 09/09/08 on Quarterstick]