The full Calico Brothers line up play live at one of the North Shores favourite venues. Featuring songs from their debut EP God Left Town, the album Tell it to the Sun and new songs yet to be recorded.
Praise for Tell it to the Sun:
Rating: * * * *
Verdict: Shining debut from Auckland band of brothers.
We got the tests back and we know theyre not really related. But as far as Calico goes, well this Auckland outfit goes sure doesnt lack for material (er, boom boom) - this album of sparkling pop-rockers comes after last years likeable God Left Town EP.
And while that fraternal moniker might suggest something collective and rustic, some of the best moments here are the loneliest, when frontman-guitarist and producer Andrew Thorne is left to his own spartan devices - as on the artfully reverbed Stay or Lost on the Motorway.
On most of this, Thornes sweetly Lennon/Harrisonesque voice and guitar leads his band through a mix of country-rock janglers (the title track), harmony-heavy 60s-echoing baroque folk-rock (Up For Air, Tread Carefully), with the occasional heavier urge (Always Said Id Do).
Its an album thats much more than the sum of its influences. These pretend-siblings sure arent faking it when it comes to high-finesse guitar-pop songcraft.
NZ Herald
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Its the secret linking point between Ryan Adams and Crowded House where the Calico Brothers meet. Comprised of three brothers, a cousin and a friend, these West Coast, Waitakere gentlemen display a true love for the music they play - roots deep in country and folk, melody and red wine. Vocalist Jimmy Calico keeps his cool throughout, with a natural, breezy voice just right for the tone, ably accompanied in harmony by his brothers. Its great to hear this kind of music finally being made locally, and sounding simultaneously traditional and unique.
Cheese on Toast
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From the harmonica bursting through the shimmery opening track, past the lilting loveliness of sleeper tracks such as ‘Lost on the Motorway’ and onto the lengthy meander of the closing track ‘Could Not Be More Wrong’, the Calico Brothers could not be more right.
Their debut full-length album hits the nail on the head, pushing the Calico Brothers beyond their musical reference points (read Wilco, Crowded House and even the Travelling Wilburies) and on to a nuanced and varied album, which is beautiful, melody laden and lyrically interesting.
My favourite track ‘Is There Anyone There'’ showcases just how eerily similar to John Lennon, frontman and guitarist Andrew Thorne sounds, whilst the album overall shows the affinity with 60s-esque, harmony-heavy folk pop that this Waitekere band has.
This is a beautifully produced album with a rather old fashioned string of instruments including the banjo, mandolin, Hammond Organ, Wurlitzer and the aforementioned harmonica. The sum of these equals a real delight to listen to and the perfect album to brighten up your winter and lead you into summer.
Rozzy Middleton
Sideroom Arts Music Culture
