Reviews:: Caledonia We Are America

We Are America. Three simple words that force thoughts and emotions to run through the mind of any Canadian citizen. The world’s a fucked up place, there’s no doubt about that, but all too often we push the blame onto our neighbor to the South. The economy? Not our fault! The environment? Even though we are doing worse at meeting our Kyoto commitments, its the mega consumers and greed of the US killing our world!

We can often be heard stripping the humor (and originality) from the memorable South Park bit as we chant along with the angry mob – “blame Dubya! ” I’m pretty sure Caledonia didn't specifically wanted to move towards politically charged tracks, but there is no doubt they wanted us to start looking inward. The record is a collection of personal songs, chock full of heavy subject matter coming from the experiences of each band member. As opposed to nationalistic pride or delusion, Caledonia focuses on the events that rip us all apart; death, growing older, uncertainty, leaving home and wanting nothing more than to return.

Thankfully, Caledonia’s cases these deep and dark thoughts in a collection of ambitious hooks, atmospheric undercurrents and a melting pot of influences. Whether it’s the reggae hook of The Victim, the gradual dissipation of the taut precision that begins Burning The Day or the sonic journey the band travels on guitar heavy, keyboard jams like Same Old Lies or , Caledonia refuses to stand still. Even when they force a driving anthem down your gullet (Friday Night Rock Song or the powerful opener Restless Year - which features the best opening line of any record - "The art fag in me is restless...") or an inspired spoken word (courtesy of Halifax’s own Tanya Davis) there is an emotional density waiting just below the surface on almost every track that leaves you pleasantly off balance.

If I was looking for a jump off point, I’d point you to Califone or The Fembots and talk about how effortlessly they all splice melodies with sound fragments and static, but with such a personal feel to the record, forcing a RIYL tag on We Are America seems like a bit of a slap in the face. The exhaustive sigh the band releases on the perfectly titled I’m Tired is thickened with subtle strings and steel that dance in the background, but it shouldn't be able to stand beside the staccato drum machine beat and guitar noodle that backs Tanya's words, which in turn, shouldn’t be able to stand beside the spacey rock Light Rock Station. But as you listen you realize the transitions – and as a result, the album – are seamless and inviting.

Caledonia will be shredding the stage here in Halifax at the Paragon Theatre on May 29th. Make sure you show up early, as Paper Beat Scissors is going to play a few songs and that is not to be missed.

MP3:: Caledonia - We Are America
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/caledoniatheband

WEB:: http://www.caledoniatheband.ca/

Labels: Canada, Halifax, Music