Calexico - Feast Of Wire Vinyl 2LP

In 1996, Joey Burns and John Convertino formed Calexico as a side project during a break from Giant Sand. What began as a casual pursuit soon evolved into a full-time endeavor, resulting in multiple acclaimed albums and EPs for Quarterstick Records. Originally released in 2003, Feast of Wire is their fourth album and a masterpiece of striking beauty and diversity.

Each track offers a fresh and evocative vision, effortlessly crossing genre lines with remarkable virtuosity. From the desert-rock guitar interplay of “Quattro (World Drifts In)” to the expansive, noirish sweep of “Black Heart” and the full-mariachi grandeur of “Guero Canelo,” Calexico demonstrates a fearless versatility, executing each turn with ease. Burns’ vocals are richer and more assured than ever, particularly on tracks like “Not Even Stevie Nicks” and “Woven Birds,” where his range and control are fully on display. Convertino’s drumming is, as always, sublime—precise, intuitive, and perfectly attuned to the melodies.

The album is further enriched by the contributions of Calexico’s other members: lap-steel guitarist Paul Niehaus, trumpet player Jacob Valenzuela, bassist Volker Zander, and multi-instrumentalist Martin Wenk. Feast of Wire is a record that captures a band firing on all cylinders, from concept through creation to flawless execution.