A dormant album Edge of the Sun from 2015 had recently got an awaken brother. The Thread That Keeps Us is shorter, focused and more diverse collection of songs playing on the borders between Anglo-Americana and Hispanic-Americana. Although anchored in their recognizable sources, Calexico have recorded something that could be called a pop album, only in terms of music that this talented group plays.
Once again, Calexico have thrown all the pieces of their musical knowledge up in the air. It is still an unpredictable music that can takes turns and end up in hundred different directions while still sounding like Calexico.
The Thread That Keeps Us is a table full of tasty sonic dishes that will satisfy all the hungry listeners. Joey Burns is aware of the historic moment in which he sings, so the opening track End of The World With You invites you to love in the extreme world. Voices In the Field will be a favorite to anyone who is into a harder sound, while The Town and Miss Lorraine is a pop psychedelic deliciousness, and possible a hit single. Another Space shows Calexico exploring the canon of unconventional pop songs. When you hear Another Space, let me know If you believe that the experimental risk had paid off. Eyes Wide Awake connects dissonant guitars with the sorrow of Beck's Sea Change, while Dead In The Water is another dark rock pearl on the trace of Lou Reed and David Bowie.
The album closes with Music Box, a number that intertwines Elton John and Leon Russell in a classic pop-rock ballad dress. It would be interesting to see in which parallel universe would this album be a hit. In my universe, it is the best record of 2018 so far.
