Collisions

Today's Music of the Day is Calla's Collisions. This is something that came to me by way of eMusic, after having heard some Calla in a local record store and being curious enough about it to download it instead of acquiring more Explosions in the Sky or something else this month.

This is definitely a rock album, one where the term 'ballad' doesn't exactly apply. Collisions is a dark and moody record that takes itself fairly seriously, and the listening experience is better because of it; I wouldn't call this 'metal' but it's definitely hard rock. This isn't to say that every song is uptempo and goes to eleven, but even the more restrained songs feature some serious guitar fuzz. The songs are relatively brief - the longest clocks in at 5:11. The general sound here is very post-grunge; some people might see cues from the Cure but groups like My Bloody Valentine (maybe in the mood if not the sound so much) and possibly even the Smashing Pumpkins seem to be more relevant influences here. I'd consider Calla to be peers to groups like Polvo. The rage is repressed, but it's definitely there.

I especially like the opener ("It Dawned on Me") and the closer ("Overshadowed", which provides a welcome release to all the tension built through the album). Truthfully, though, there aren't bad songs on this album. The band doesn't really break any new ground but they do a good job of stomping on what already exists. I would love to listen to some more of their back catalogue; Collisions doesn't really offer anything I would consider a rock anthem, so I am curious to see if there's anything more bold in their repertoire.

In short, Calla may not have universal appeal, but I believe that they make serious rock music that can be listened to and enjoyed. Collisions is a fitting album for an overcast if not bleak day such as today, where the sky is a uniform shade of heather gray and the air is damp. It's worth a listen if you think you can make it forty minutes without yelling at the kids to get off your damn lawn.

In Other News:
Why did the weekend have to end yet again?

This week promises to be busy but things will end well. I hope the storms don't lead to floods but I am enjoying all the lightning and thunder.