Calla

Collisions (Beggars Banquet)

Calla's brooding front man, Aurelio Valle, possesses a deliciously menacing tone; part resignation, part betrayal. His melodramatic persona dominates Collisions, an appealing collection of dour post-punk with obvious nods to gloomy godfathers such as The Cure and Joy Division. Valle's skill is in making the dynamic sound unhurried as his bandmates create soft songs that feel loud--power balladry with a gothic punch. Recorded under supposedly rancorous circumstances, this trio has managed to make the best of animosity, using antagonism as motivation. Songs such as "It Dawned on Me" and "This Better Go As Planned" begin with deceptively simple melodies and proceed to build upon them with textured nuances and bits of jagged guitar, a la prime Gang of Four. The eleven cuts on Collisions are exactly that, conflicts of lushness against aridity, hope against despair and even art against pop. It's a big-sounding record made by a band that still wants to sound small, and these apparent incompatibilities are what make the effort so vital and still maddeningly elusive.

 
My Voice Nation Help
0 comments
Sort: Newest | Oldest
 

Concert Calendar

  • May
  • Thu
    23
  • Fri
    24
  • Sat
    25
  • Sun
    26
  • Mon
    27
  • Tue
    28
  • Wed
    29
Dallas Event Tickets
©2013 Dallas Observer, LP, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places Dallas / Fort Worth

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city