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Caledonia - We Are America
By Brendan MaGee
(01/04/10)

The album is the third release from Halifax’s Caledonia, who blend an interesting medley of indie rock and hazy alt folk. This latest record has been described by front man Steve Gates as message to those of us in the great white north who are quick to poke fun at our neighbours to the south. We Are America is a broad endeavour, both musically and conceptually, which has been in the works since 2006’s Lost Balloons. On that last album, the band seemed conflicted between an indie rock sound and a quiet folksy approach. Their solution? Combine the two to form one powerfully unique sound.

The highlights of We Are America vary vastly in scope; from the banjo laden alt-folk gem Scott's House, to the beautiful spoken word piece "Winter Drips From Trees," with vocals from Tanya Davis. Then there's "Friday Night Rock Song" as well as the title track, both of which bring the album's intensity to its peak. All of these songs speak to the complementary nature of We Are America, though perhaps the most intriguing track would be the album's closer, "Alabama." This softer piece leans on dreamy guitar riffs, while thought provoking vocals entrance the listener.

The best part of the album is the atmosphere it creates. Many of the songs feature a well balanced combination of lap steel and banjo, accented by some fast hands on the keyboard and methodical percussion. The album is heavy when it wants to be and light when it needs to be. We Are America is a vast musical accomplishment, worthy of nothing less than a few listens.

Related links:
+ Caledonia (website)
+ Caledonia (MySpace)

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Brendan MaGee lives and breathes indie music. He is a journalism student at St. Thomas University and spends his spare time interning at Forward Music Group as well as moonlighting as a DJ on 105.3 FM The Fox in Fredericton.