Calexico
Edge of the Sun (Anti)
Tucson, Arizona's, Calexico is one of those fortunate cult bands that have carved out a niche so specific, that they literally cannot disappoint their fan base, as long as they continue to do what they do best. Edge of the Sun is another dusky album of Texicana sunset music from Joey Burns and John Convertino, the two men responsible for a near-two decade career. It is classic Calexico, nothing more, nothing less.
In a press release, the band is described as "straddling that celestial division of light and dark". This rings true in tracks like "Coyoacán", the cinematic Tejano instrumental that plays out like its own narrative, utilizing mariachi trumpets and twangy guitar for added drama. "Bullets & Rocks" features the bourbon soaked voice of Sam Beam (Iron & Wine), one of the album's many collaborators and plays out like a melancholy sea shanty.
Burns and Convertino are at a wonderful moment in their career where, if they chose to, they could go on auto-pilot, putting out formulaic Americana music for their blindingly dedicated followers. But they respect their fans, which is why collaboration plays such an important role at this point. The likes of Beam, Neko Case, Mexican singer-songwriter Carla Morrison and more, help separate Edge of the Sun from the rest of their canon, and prove why Calexico have single handedly staked their claim as the Kings of their own territory.
Rating: 4/5
