I personally do not know much about this rock band called The Calling, but I do know one thing, and that is that they can make some amazing music. With their debut album,
Camino Palmero, the band mixes the perfect amount of acoustic rock and hard rock with dynamic guitar and bass melodies, amazing vocals, and quick drum work. If every rock band could make such perfectly compelled music like this band, then the more mainstream Nickelback and Green Day would be making the hall of fame (thank God that will never happen). The Calling, though easily classified as an acoustic (for the most part) hard rock band, it is very difficult to fit them in with any other band of the rock genre. The band is also known for putting synthetic strings and orchestration in their songs, giving them a very dynamic atmosphere and symphonic melody (like their song
For You, which can be found on the
Daredevil soundtrack). Even without the fancy orchestrations and synth arrangements, the band still delivers some beautiful music with just Aaron Kamin on guitars and Alex Band on vocals (these two being the only official members of the band).
Camino Palmero is an album of near perfection musically and lyrically and is easily a modern masterpiece of rock music. The album begins with the song
Unstoppable, which kicks off with some atmospheric guitar grooves and drum percussion. Alex Band then comes in with his amazing voice that commands over the acoustic guitar strums and keyboard arrangements. The song has some amazing grooves and breakdowns of atmospheric music that is seductive in it’s own manner, and is a near perfect opening track to the album. A few quick drum beats and some alternative rock style guitar riffs start off the next track,
Nothing’s Changed. The song, although has a slightly annoying basic guitar riff, it makes up with chorus, which is full of soaring vocal melodies and dynamic bass work. The song then picks itself up after it’s first chorus and creates a powerful and commanding atmosphere. A brilliant guitar solo even shows up about halfway through the song. The lyrics are also something to note on, touching on the basis of complicated relationships and revisiting love once lost, which really touch the subject better then other bands and their attempts.
The opening guitar strums to
Wherever You Will Go, along with some beautiful singing by Alex Band, are only a hint of the songs presence on the album. The song has some powerful lyrics backed up by amazing vocals and flowing guitar melodies. The drum beats also create a good groove to the most accurately described hard rock ballad. Probably one of if not the best song on the album. It just flows perfectly and Alex Band’s vocal range is also shown to stretch to great heights on this track.
Could It Be Any Harder starts with some ascending drum percussions and light strums at the guitar. The song has (to me) the most powerful lyrics on the album, which deal with love and heartbreak caused by death. If the song wasn’t already tearful enough for it’s heartfelt lyrics, Alex Band’s singing makes all the more powerful. The song is not musically the strongest song on the album, but vocally it is a masterpiece of harmony and rhythm and amazing lyrics. An acoustic guitar solo is also present on the song, which helps give the song a more soothing flow.
Final Answer starts off with some well tuned acoustic guitar riffs and well sung vocals. The song doesn’t have as many new dynamics in it’s that the other songs haven’t already given, but it still stands out as a solid track of more well executed vocals and guitar work. One thing to note on the song is the bass work as well, which comes in with the drums after the first chorus and gives the song great atmosphere.
Adrienne is the first track on the album that does not stand out as amazing, though it is still a great song. The song has more of jam rock feel (a lot like Dave Matthews Band) up until the chorus. The vocals don’t stand out as much as they do on the other songs, but Aaron Kamin’s guitar work is exceptional on the track, with great grooves much like the first track and some amazing guitar solos.
We’re Forgiven starts off with some groovy drum beats followed by some soft guitar strums. Aside from some great drum work, the song doesn’t stand out as much musically. Vocally the song has some good dynamics, but overall it ends up being one of the more average songs on the album.
Things Don’t Always Turn Out That Way has some great drum lines and guitar work in it. The song kicks off rather simple, but by the chorus it kicks into some strong music melody. The guitars and vocals are both exceptional on the song, especially when Alex Band pulls off some high pitch vocals during the chorus.
Just That Good starts off with almost ambient sounding guitar strums and synths. The song, just like the previous couple of tracks, doesn’t deliver any new dynamics nor sweeping guitar work. Lyrically, just like all the songs, it is an exceptional track. The guitar solos are also worth noting, but other then that the track is rather straightforward and simple.
The opening riffs to
Thank You bring back some originality to the music, and Alex Band pulls of some vocals that sound a lot like Scott Stapp at first. The chorus of the song is not as powerful as the bridges of the song (believe it or not), but overall, the vocal and guitar work mix together to create a perfect melody of jazz inspired rock. Another great guitar solo is also present on the album. The last track on the album,
Stigmatized starts off with some slow but tuneful guitar riffs which lead into some slow singing. The song does a great job at ending the album, cause even in the begging of the track, the slow guitar melody and amazing vocals prove that the track will successfully recover from the previous tracks, which were apparently less dynamic. The song proves to be another perfect mix of guitar breakdowns and solos, brilliant vocals, atmospheric bass work, some great drum lines, and more heartfelt lyrics. Overall, the album is a classic in hard rock music and is an essential album for anyone who likes rock music to own.
Pros
-- Amazing vocals and musicianship overall.
-- Every song has it’s own unique way of catching the listeners ear.
-- Some amazing lyrics on every single song (especially on track 4).
-- Great atmospheres and song flow.
-- Pretty original when compared to the stereotypical hard rock band.
Cons
-- Some listeners might get bored with it on their first few listens.
-- The song structures are a little repetitive at times.
Track Listing
1. Unstoppable (5/5)
2. Nothing’s Changed (4.5/5)
3. Wherever You Will Go (5/5)
4. Could It Be Any Harder (5/5)
5. Final Answer (4.5/5)
6. Adrienne (4/5)
7. We’re Forgiven (4/5)
8. Things Don’t Always Turn Out That Way (4.5/5)
9. Just That Good (4/5)
10. Thank You (4.5/5)
11. Stigmatized (5/5)
