Calico Horse – Mirror
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It’s interesting to think this is an album that almost never existed. Mirror sounds like a reflection on the ups and downs of life; an observation that happiness and beauty can sometimes be found inside the dark. It’s not surprising that it was formed from the ashes of what was supposed to be an album by San Diego's Clock Work Army. After repeated breakups of the group, Emily Neveu, who ended up being the only member at the end, lost the drive to continue on and shelved the album. Mirror is the result of Clock Work Army’s death and the reason for Calico Horse’s birth.
Fortunately, Pall Jenkins (founding member of the bands Three Mile Pilot and The Black Heart Procession) encouraged Neveu to continue on after a few months away from the project. With Jenkins’ studio and assistance, Neveu was able to complete the album.
Emily Neveu’s voice is the defining characteristic of Calico Horse. It possesses the haunting beauty that brings to mind Maura Davis as well as the sultriness of Chan Marshall. Mirror is inviting with both its elegance and diversity. What the album lacks in hooks it makes up for with terrific arrangements and instrumentation. Neveu’s voice is certainly not forgettable and has the timbre to enliven and transform each word that leaves her lips.
Mirror is an album filled with the dark but spirited atmosphere one would find on a Radiohead record. The guitars are run through phaser, overdrive, and various other effects pedals which play perfect complement to Neveu’s engagingly gorgeous voice. Those songs that feel plaintive become welcoming in a way thanks to her voice, while Ted Humphrey keeps things exciting with his creative drumming on tracks such as “Onomatopoeia” and “Colors.”
Recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about my future. I’ve been thinking about my career. I’ve been thinking about working with music, traveling the world while doing so. I’ve pictured myself sitting on some street in France or Italy, enjoying some delicious and refreshing beverage just outside a restaurant. The cars are passing and I’m satisfied that the dream I once had as a young man has come to fruition. Listening to this album, I see myself in this setting. I picture that what was a wonderfully sunny day is now fading into a comfortable evening, and this is the perfect soundtrack for my wandering thoughts. I listen intently as Neveu sings, “Find the place that you’re longing for” (“AJ”).
Recommended tracks: “Happy Placebo Syringe Day” “Onomatopoeia” “Colors”
Mirror is out now on Banter Records. Pick it up
here.
