The key to Calla's third long player is the level of restraint applied. Much of 'Televise' teeters on the edge of riotous rock but tantalisingly holds back on the threshold of chaos. This trick would be unheard of in the 1980's when poodle-perm rock ruled the Amercian waves or even in the 1990's when grunge took over. Frontman Aurelio Valle is an embodiment of world-weariness and poised threat; while sticksman Wayne S. Macruder and bassist Sean Donovan work restlessly; never showing off but adding to the tension. At their best (listen to 'Monument', 'Don't Hold Your Breath', 'As Quick As It Comes' and the title track), it's like listening to a Stateside version of the Comsat Angels. Barring the lack of a real killer, standout song - which on an album like this would probably defeat the object anyway - this is a sign of a confident group at the peak of their powers.
The key to Calla's third long player is the level of restraint applied. Much of 'Televise' teeters on the edge of riotous rock but tantalisingly holds back on the threshold of chaos. This trick would be unheard of in the 1980's when poodle-perm rock ruled the Amercian waves or even in the 1990's when grunge took over. Frontman Aurelio Valle is an embodiment of world-weariness and poised threat; while sticksman Wayne S. Macruder and bassist Sean Donovan work restlessly; never showing off but adding to the tension. At their best (listen to 'Monument', 'Don't Hold Your Breath', 'As Quick As It Comes' and the title track), it's like listening to a Stateside version of the Comsat Angels. Barring the lack of a real killer, standout song - which on an album like this would probably defeat the object anyway - this is a sign of a confident group at the peak of their powers.
print this review
email this review