Reviewed by Paul Obrey

"There is so much love in this room," said Darius. One of the first things that struck me about this CD is the displayed lack of such tenderness. Calibretto 13 are a three piece rock/folk band from the States. It is difficult to make comparisons. Maybe Fat And Frantic without the tune. Or Billy Bragg without the speech impediment. It appears that Calibretto 13 have chosen their music as a tool for various angry rants about American music, society and ideals. Not necessarily a bad thing, but the "protest songs" lack any compassion about the people in question. Phrases like "Go follow the flock you posers", "The youth can't think for themselves" and "I'm so sick of all you sheep' don't really portray much love for fellow man. It all gets a bit irritating after a while, and the songs carrying these tirades do little to soften the blow. The obviously talented drummer needs reigning in to prevent each song sounding like a drum solo, and there is little melody to be found. The two redeeming songs (musically) are "I'll Talk To You Tomorrow" - because there are extra tuneful instrument parts - and "The Proposal", a lively love song. "Why Can't I Be On MTV" asks the hook of track one. Probably because people would rather listen to uplifting songs than immature rants. Maybe you should counter the negative society that you are so unhappy about with more positive affirmation, rather than moaning about those who don't. Sorry guys!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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