Originally written by Gareth Dobson · 28 April 2003
Calexico
Quattro
Label: City Slang Records Release Date: 28/04/2003
Usually the notion of the phrase [radio edit] placed next to a Calexico track is as mirthsome as the possibility of seeing [rock version] aside a Belle & Sebastian song. Bizarrely however, it's a perfectly apt move.
Because, much to Mojo reader's collective chagrin, the occasionally avant-garde and more often plain beguiling Calexico have managed to sound like a Tijuana Springsteen circa 'Nebraska' on the first single from their '_Feast Of Wires_' LP.
Fortunately, the Mark Knopfler-on-tequila vibe is eradicated by the bar-room rumba of 'Praskovia' and the dusty nothingness of 'Pampa'. Be warned Calexico, on this form, the possibility of sounding like Gomez is not that unlikely.
• 6 Gareth Dobson's Score