http://slowtrainmusic.blogspot.com/2008/12/calico-is-back-temporarily.html

i've also heard they listed us in their best of 2008 booklet.  go buy an album there, even if it's not one of ours. :)

Calico
Black Pyramid
Self-Released
Street: 07.01
Calico = Vincent Gallo + Valley of the Giants + Vetiver
Oh Calico, how do you infatuate me? Let me recount our days. Just as your opening song begins— silently we grew stronger and my heart beat loud like the ringing of a triangle. Vibrations from your percussion and low keys transcended me into a great high. There the sounds steadied as we lay next to one another, "In the Sun." Naked, not holding hands, for our "Hands are Sand" and as useless as our hearts. We listened while birds chirped and flapped around a "Black Pyramid." My heart and ears pulsed with Calico's psychedelic tones staggering through the sky, where we spent most of our time—nine erotic minutes—only to be forced into the spaciousness of "Heaven" by soft chords from an acoustic guitar and relaxing rhythms of a keyboard. Your quickening pace increased my "Bloodflow" with your Thom Yorke vocals. Like stolen, shining "Diamonds," I am impressed by such a luminous performance of troubadours who generate heat to such musical endeavors (Brownham, Chanticleer the Clever Cowboy). Sadly, Calico, you do not love me in return. I should feel alone, but your bleak honesty fills any empty space. –Jennifer Nielsen

Click here to read the original web review.

Calico
Black Pyramid
(06.2008, Self Released)
Verdict = Misty, disembodied folk/Americana

Approaching an album from your hometown is always a tentative endeavor. While we manage relative, uncourageous anonymity with or little pseudonyms, there is also that struggle between wanting to be completely honest and also wanting to root for that hometown hero. Now, I'm not one of those who would vote for David Archuletta just because he was out of West Valley, but for those indie musicians from which we see glimpses of actual, "bigger than Salt Lake", potential, you just kind of hope they can actually pull it off you know? It honestly is a rarity. There are few who can cross the line of being someone you respect in the local music scene and someone who you honestly enjoy listening to regardless of the fact that they live five minutes away. In context of this dilemma and with the desire to be completely honest, Calico has just made my day. They have touted this record as their most realized to date and the assertion is an understatement. Black Pyramid is magnificent. Steady, perfectly paced and meticulous, Black Pyramid floats along like a languid, swirling stream slowly building strength from a long winters run off. Calico captures that elusive air in-between serene, slumbering comfort and dazed, listless wandering that is simultaneously soothing and haunting. On Black Pyramid, Calico is definitely working at a level far above your average local alt-country release. This is mainly because Black Pyramid simply isn't alt-country. More rooted in classic rock and spectral folk, Calico manage a tightly produced wondrous album that plays out something like Vetiver or Sun Kil Moon, but in a drifty Stars of the Lid kind of way. And oh(!), let me re-emphasize the production – with tiny measured flourishes, Black Pyramids is like walking through an enchanted forest filled with wondrous, magical detail. I think the most impressive item here is that with songs with a tendency to spill past the five minute mark and on average hover around 7 minutes, Black Pyramid is never boring. One of the best, most complete albums I have heard from anywhere in quite awhile. (Oh, PS - In case you missed the shows updates this week, Calico is playing an instore at Slowtrain tonight for the release Black Pyramid).

-Mr. Thistle

Click Here to Read the Original Web Review

CALICO CD RELEASE
Good things come to those who wait—especially when Calico is concerned. Wait, and you'll better appreciate the local collective's aesthetic; their celebration of restraint manifested in rich, sparse, deliberate instrumentation. "Wait/ where the ocean calls/ in the sun/ in the sun," Brady Gunnell sings on Black Pyramid, the accomplished follow-up to Calico's previous eponymous release. Romantic, dramatic, but never overblown, the album tempts and flirts like a wolf in sheep's clothing. Pyramid brings Gunnell's vocals front and center for several numbers, displaying a cool assuredness that's downright delicious, especially when he suggests, "Let the blood flow, baby. Let the blooood flow." It sounds wrong for all the right reasons. Calico recently completed a mini Northwest tour which hit a giant festival featuring 25 bands. The gig helped clarify the group's need for less speed: "Giving Calico 20 minutes to play is, essentially, a death sentence for our music." Settle in for the lon
g haul, tonight, when the band releases Pyramid to the public. It's well worth your time. Slowtrain, 221 E. Broadway, 7 p.m. All-ages. Info: 364-2611

Portland, M'mm Cancelled. That's the jingle we came up with to encompass our experience in Portland. Count em'...we had not one, but two shows cancelled today. That's right. Before settling in the van to begin our journey back to Salt Lake City we had coffee and dinner on the brain.

Or maybe a little cap nap first.

I lived in Portland about eight years ago. As I told my band, every time I visit, there are a handful of dining establishments I must stop at. This was no exception. We decided on one of my favourite Thai places, Beau Thai, which never fails to satisfy.

With each having his full belly, our time in Portland was numbered. During the walk back to the van, alternate versus for 'This is How We Do It' were coined. Some standouts were 'This is How We Glue It' and 'I'm feeling kinda buzzed and it's all because, there's lacquer in the air'. We popped in the van and found it very appropriate to play Montell's original version as our farewell anthem as we began our journey home.

After a long, albeit breathtaking, drive along the Columbia River Gorge we decided to stop at the Boardman, OR Econo Lodge for some much deserved bed rest.

This television infomercial could've been the single most interesting thing I saw today. I recently read that next to trepination and psychedelics, hanging upside down is the single most effective way to swell the blood vessels in your brain.

We made a quick run to the nearby Shell Station for some cool b's. Modelo Negro, Dos Equiis, and Hamm's were the brews of choice. Just a little note regarding Hamm's: it tastes and smells like an unwashed underarm. It reminded me of the way the common area of Hall of the Woods in Olympia smelled, unrefined, natural. That didn't stop us from each taking one to bed with us.

Sweet dreams from Calico.

xoxob

We woke to a blinding light coming through the East-facing windows our Econo Lodge bathroom, in which we scrubbed our bodies. After packing I couldn't help but explore the delicious offerings of the complimentary Econo Lodge continental breakfast. I chose the watered-down orange juice, the watered-down coffee, and a delicious cream cheese danish.
While enjoying my coffee, Liam recounted a story from the previous night. It went something like this: Liam was awakened by a sharp jab to his ribs. It was Tyler, with whom he was sharing the bed. Then Tyler grabbed Liam's shoulder and pushed him over whilst complaining, 'dude stop breathing like Darth Vader!' Fully satisfying the Star Wars sub-theme on our tour.

Fortunately, there is a drive through espresso shop in Boardman. Tyler and I ordered a delicious iced mocha each.

First stop on the road was at a little rest area near the Idaho-Oregon border. Here, we took advantage of the opportunity to use the facilities and get some much needed exercise. Here are some examples of our brilliant frisbee skills.

I found this flier quite interesting and quite telling of the state of our society:

And I learned about the terrible world of noxious weeds:

The final leg of the drive was an anxiety riddled one. Fortunately, we made it home in one piece, and in the end I think we all enjoyed ourselves immensely. We love each other, indeed. And we will never forget Hall of the Woods. Thanks to everybody whom we encountered on the way, you each positively affected our experience. It's always a relief to return home. And it always sends a shiver down my spine to again find my city surrounded by the great snow-capped Wasatch. Primarily, my very own black pyramid, Mount Olympus.

Until next time. Goodbye from Calico.

xoxob

Rainfall awoke us from the haze brought on by Hall of the Woods. We found ourselves surrounded by the lush Washington forest.

We were greeted by a little feline friend whom requested a ride to Portland.

After some essential morning evacuation we found ourselves back on I-5 southbound, bound for Portland.

The drive was short to Portland. Mapquest sent us on a brief scenic detour of NorthEast Portland before we arrived at our destination.

Day 04.

Chaos Cafe, Portland, OR

I had a most outta site breakfast composed of Huevos Rancheros and coffee. I think all the boys enjoyed themselves and their meals. As is calico standard, we had many laughs and made some epic videos (please refer to Andrew's blog for one of my personal favorite moments).

We invited Elizabeth and Jocelyn from Alak, Alas, Alaska to each play a set before us.

The boys and I enjoyed various beverages including, but not limited to, mimosas, chai lattes, and cool b's.

We were soon alerted to the great news that the one house show we were able to secure had been canceled. Luckily, Jocelyn invited us to do a set at the house party that they were scheduled to do. Bueno!

We played an hour an thirty-five minute set for 10 people. Six of whom i knew. But again we were in an intimate environment and played what I felt was one of our strongest, and restrained sets. Again we laid 'This is How We Do It' on the table, this time a much more reserved offering.

In this image Tyler plays drums in the style of Obi Won (Star Wars reference 2)

After loading up, we ventured out for a few hours of playtime in Portland.

Trader Joe's for dried granny smith apples and vegan chocolate chip cookies
Goodwill (I should've bought those Italian shoes, dammit!)

Moments after this picture was taken, the laughter turned to sadness as we received further unfortunate news. Elizabeth called to let us know that the house party they invited us to play at was already full. Drummmmm Rollllllllllll, 'Portland M'mm Cancelled'. The only thing left for us in Portland was a hearty dinner before saying our goodbyes.

Now I understand why the Seattle Supersonics chose their color scheme. It's cuz during May the only deviation from the homogeneity of the pines are these little yellow shrubs that scream like banshees. It's quite breathtaking. The one thought that dominated my mind during the drive from Seattle to Olympia was 'this place is very reminiscent of E.T. Everything has that aire of mystique surrounding it. Not to mention the Tacoma dome looks like a big flying saucer.

Day 03.

Destination, Hall of the Woods, Olympia, WA

The exit for Olympia came quikly. Following a windy road through the woods we soon found ourselves before a big purple barn populated by post-hippies and neo-punks. This was our venue for the night, Hall of the Woods.

We were pleased to be re-united with our friend Elizabeth, or Fancie(refer to last years tour blog) and her touring band Alas, Alak, Alaska.

Hall of the Woods was a self-sufficient post-hippy commune with a no-adults allowed attitude. I felt like I was with the lost boys and peter pan. The event, Mikrofest VIII was an all-day festival of music with performances by over thirty groups.

After a couple Miller High Lifes and a bit of pause to combat our bewilderment, Andrew, Liam and Tyler ventured into Olympia to meet a friend of Liam's for dinner. Sean and I stayed on at Hall of the Woods. Based on what we had seen thus far, we were convinced we were in store for some remarkable performances. We were not disappaointed.

Some of the highlights of the evening included:

Afternoon Brother

When these guys noodled around on 'Reelin' in the Years' and joked with the audience about doing meth, I knew we were in for a treat.

Can you find Uncle Dad in this picture?

Glowstick Girls Dance Troupe

I must say, I think I'll come back to Hall of the Woods Mikrofest to create a documentary film. There is some kind of anti-establishment, atonal, underground movement going on here. There were knods (how intentional remains unknown) to groups like The Shaggs, Captain Beefheart, Sonic Youth, and Suicide. It reminded me of the part from the Ricky Gervais show when he recounts when, as a teen, he wore a tee-shirt that stated simply 'Bullshit'.

We followed a phenomenal Electro-Punk group called Sewn Leather. I wasn't sure we could be able to follow up the intensity of this duo. They sang about things like weed and punk music, doing acid on the beach in Florida, and having chains around their neck. Luckily, we had an ace up our sleeve (read further). We were originally scheduled to play at 10:30pm, by the time we played it was 2:30am. We were tired, most of the crowd has dissipated into the moist night, but we came to play and play we did.

Like I promised in an earlier blog, we covered Montell Jordan's 'This is How We Do It'. It was unrehearsed, and based on a brief discussion about my vision we had in the parking lot moments prior. It began slowly, building on a repetitive riff. The drums enter, followed by bass, followed by the refrain 'This is How We Do It'. Eventually the songs disintegrates in a cacophony of screeching guitars, cornet, and pounding bass and drums. This song may have saved our set. I say this only because we didn't quite fit in at this festival and this song drove the kids wild. Maybe it was the tenth Miller High Life, maybe it was the patchouly and pungent body odor in the air, but I felt like it blew the roof off in a Thurston Moore or Ira Kaplan sorta way.

We loaded, collected our final glances and thoughts of this very unique place, and set off into the wilderness to pitch our tent and claim the few precious hours of sleep we could. I think we all laid our heads with thoughts of how Hall of the Woods had changed our lives. For one, I had most pleasantly bizarre dreams.

xoxob

After a restful sleep, and a quick stop for an americano, we headed toward Pike's Place Market for some goodies, guided by our hostess, the lovely Jaime.

Stops in Seattle included:

Breakfast at Macrina's Bakery on the recommendation of Jaime
Army Navey Suplus - Black Tie $2.50
Weather phenomenal - 70 degrees and sunny
Sean, Liam, and I go shirtless for two city blocks, Tyler and Andrew separate from us
Pike's Place Market in search of bolo ties, honey, and dried fruit
Lark in the Morning, a truly memorable musical instrument store where I could spend the rest of my life.
Capitol Hill
Jive Time Records is gone! What a load!
Bimbo's Kick Ass Burritio has moved! What a shame!
Stopped in at Konnect for happy hour: $2 beers and tuna rolls, and ice covered bar, and the ugliest Memphis style restrooms I have ever had the pleasure of urinating in.

Before departing we desired a dip in the pool. Upon the realization that pools in Seattle in May are not swimmable we settled for the hot tub. Of course, I had to challenge myself, so I inched my way into the frigid pool until fully submerged. Surprisingly, the process took no longer than 2 minutes. I must say I have never been in such cold water. I know realize what the appeal of the being a Polar Bear is, getting in cold water is better than drugs! It steals your breathe and is quite euphoric, I recommend it.

After a quick bath we were packed and ready to hit the road. 'Tyler, are you ready to hit the road?'

But not before sufficiently drowning Jaime in thank you gifts.

Bye Bye Seattle. Though you are still a bit of a mystery to me, you are a beautiful one.

Day 02.

Destination: Jules Maes Saloon, Seattle, WA

Jules Maes Saloon, est. 1888. Arguably, the oldest bar in Seattle. Pretty yummy fearsh and chearps, too.

Our dear friends and hosts, Jaime and Tyson, with whom we shared a few cool b's. Though I had been told about it by my mother's boyfriend, tonight was our first experience with Olympia beer, or 'Oly' as the locals call it, a new favourite amongst us Caliqueers.

We did a decent set. The soundguy was cool as a fox, but luckily Liam warmed up to him with a shared affinity with Rush. Fortunately, our friends in Hazlewood Motel didn't bail on us, as The Beautiful Confusion did. They put on a lovely show filled with their stripped-down melodies and heartbreaking refrain.

Only Mooninites awaited us at Jaime and Tyson's apartment, a stone's throw through the deserted industrial section of Seattle.

night night.

xoxob