Calibretto 13

Item: Adventures in Tokyo
Author: Clara Sayre

Adventures in Tokyo

(2002)

Reviewed by Clara Sayre

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Label Tooth & Nail RecordsDecapolisMarch 2002

alternative folk punk ska punk

I'd never really heard Calibretto 13 before Tom sent me this pre-release copy of "Adventures in Tokyo" to review. So I've been doing some research on their website (http://www.calibretto13.com) to find out more about them before I evaluate this album. My first reaction to this album was one of disinterest, but I must admit, with each listen I'm becoming a bit intrigued.

This album just came out on March 12 and is their second full-length on Tooth and Nail. Based out of Kokomo, Indiana, they've been together since the days of being called "Blacksheep" in 1998.

"Father", the first song on the release, has a very ska-esque sound to it (all the songs do, but this one even more so) and it made me regress back to the days when I believed that ska was the best style of music the world had to offer. It's a very upbeat, bouncy song about growing up and all the decisions that we are faced with and the vocalist pleads with God to help him with what to do and what to say. The next song is entitled, "I'll Show the World", and it has a laidback, swing style reminiscent of The W's. The fourth song, "I'll Talk to You Tomorrow" is a slow rocker that began so quietly that I had to turn the volume up just to make sure the cd was still playing. It's a beautiful song that is the highlight of the whole album for me. I really like it. With the song, "Why Can't I be on MTV?" they make fun of pop culture, name brands, selling out, and exploiting sex in music videos while explaining why they can't be on MTV: they won't lose their integrity and they don't want to be clones who can't think for themselves.

While perusing their website, I developed an appreciation for their lyrics, which seemed utterly ridiculous and childlike when I first listened to their cd. They push the boundaries of the all-too-often close-mindedness of Christians. Having songs removed from past records and lyrics wiped out for "puritanical standards" doesn't stop them at all with this new full-length. The words are simple, yes, but the message is strong: Just because we're Christians doesn't mean we can't make something of ourselves.

While this record doesn't follow the styles of music I enjoy listening to, I did develop an appreciation for them lyrically. For those of you who do listen to them and have been anticipating this release, you won't be disappointed. And for those of you who haven't heard of them, think Dead Milkmen, The Violent Femmes and just general dorky, punk rock. They have their style and they honestly do it well.