Calla--Strength In Numbers

New York rockers Calla enter 2007 with their fifth studio release, Strength In Numbers. The trio have always been known for the wistful dark brand of moderately paced rock, and the fittingly titled Strength In Numbers shows a refined loyalty to this quality. Always gaining more talent and experience between releases, Strength In Numbers represents Calla’s improvements since Collisions. The opener "Sanctify," like the majority of the album, is a slow-burner that features a guitar snippet that reminds one of Sonic Youth, before launching into an Audioslave-like solo. Unfortunately, because of the songs’ not-quite laid-back nature, all of the tracks begin to melt together. Tunes like "A Sure Sight" and "Le Gusta El Fuego" are well-written jam tracks, but are also a tad repetitious and slow. Not to say those qualities are detrimental necessarily, but the songs do fail to retain the listener’s active attention. That said, the guitar work is wonderful and any track that rips out into a solo will become a well-worn favorite. In addition, Calla achieves a few very catchy tunes in "Defenses Down," "Rise," and "Bronson," not to mention the hauntingly chilling instrumental interlude found within "Malo." Calla stick to what they know, and gain an overall victory with Strength In Numbers. While some tracks may lose your attention – especially if you’re more pop oriented – the majority of the release is very enjoyable (turn to "Malicious Manner" for proof). Strength In Numbers finds the New York trio continuing to hone their talents, and still winning over auidences.

(Published at ComfortComes.com)