Review: Calico Brothers “Road of Bones” [EP]

New Zealand's Calico Brothers are back with a new five song EP entitled “Road of Bones”, following their notable country tinged pop rock release, “Tell It To The Sun” (review here). The tunes gracing the new EP carry on the band’s tradition and love of harmonious acoustic based pop.

The subdued “Hold On Love” begins the EP – a haunting and beautiful fingerpicked tune that allows the pristine vocals to shine. The harmonies from the brothers Calico are most inviting. “Sick In Love” is more upbeat, and the boys add in a dingy electric guitar and hand claps to add a new dynamic to the atmosphere – sounds very Traveling Wilburys. “Lonely Christmas (Hallelujah)” is a timely piece that will provide a refreshing change of pace in anyone’s winter playlist. But with a well balanced mix of acoustic and electric guitar, “Rock Rose” may just be my favorite on the EP.

Don’t miss the Calico Brothers if you like The Jayhawks, The Thorns, and Grapes of Wrath.

Calico Brothers on MySpace.

Listen to "Rock Rose":

Review: Calico Brothers "Tell It To The Sun"

"Tell It To The Sun" is the full-length debut album from New Zealand's Calico Brothers, who made quite a splash on the indie jangle-pop scene with their 2008 EP, "God Left Town". The band is true to its name - composed of three brothers, one cousin, and one friend, all of whom are strumming out some of the most harmonious acoustic pop this side of The Traveling Wilburys.

This country pop party kicks off with what has become my favorite track, the title track. Bright and breezy, shining with harmonica, harmonies, and banjo, "Tell It To The Sun" taps into every positive quality that alt country pop has to offer. I am hard pressed to think of a more appropriate song for a lazy sunny Sunday. The guys keep slinging the hooks and harmonies one after another, as if they're in endless supply. While I find myself gravitating more to the upbeat numbers like "Is There Anyone There" and "Weight Around My Heart", there are several easy-going ballads here if you're in the mood for something slow and tranquil. A highlight of the latter is the Beatle-esque ""Up For Air". "Tread Carefully" is another standout that starts subtly (carefully), then builds ever so gently into a flowering climax.

With just the right amount of country flair adorning their melodious harmonies, the Calico Brothers should appeal to fans of The Jayhawks, The Thorns, and Grapes of Wrath. No need to "tread carefully" when debating on whether to purchase this one!

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 6, 7, 9

Calico Brothers on MySpace. Get it here.