Calibretto 13

    Calibretto 13

    Also credited as Calibretto

    Kokomo, Indiana8 reviews across 4 releases

    acousticalternative folkfolk rockpunk
    DiscogsBandcamp

    Calibretto 13 was an acoustic punk band from Kokomo, Indiana, formed in 1998 under the name Blacksheep before settling on Calibretto 13. Joseph Whiteford's guitar and vocals gave the trio its central sound: acoustic guitar pushed at punk speed, comic vocals delivered with a nervous edge, and lyrics aimed at Christian hypocrisy, pop culture, and social awkwardness. The 1999 split Sibling Rivalry presented a rough, tight version of the formula, with the band compared to the Violent Femmes but distinguished by satire such as "Little Gay Man." Enter the Danger Brigade sharpened the approach with catchy melodies, surf guitar, harmonica, and occasional youth-group preaching. Adventures in Tokyo broadened the music toward ska and swing while retaining its acoustic-punk base, pairing songs about MTV and moral conformity with a slow, sincere marriage song.

    Aaron Richardson left the band before Chad A. Serhal took over bass, changing the lineup after the early Tooth & Nail releases. In 2003, the group began releasing music under the shorter name Calibretto, moving away from its earlier presentation as a Christian punk act. The 2004 split EP All of These Things Do Not Belong, recorded with Mercury Radio Theater, kept the organ and the band's familiar punk-folk approach while adding instrumental surf-rock interludes. Calibretto played its final show in Kokomo on October 31, 2004. Joseph Whiteford later led Harley Poe, while other former members continued in projects including Divebomber and Everything, Now!

    4 releases reviewed