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Track of the Week - Red Rum Club 'Calexico'


'Calexico' is the latest single by genre-blending sextet Red Rum Club . The dynamic "Scouse Americana" group specialise in creating big cinematic tracks with a northern grit and 'Calexico' is arguably their strongest release to date.

The track opens with gallant Americana trumpet, reinforced by ebullient percussion and a rich bass line, emitting a a Herculean sound that triumphantly demands the listener's undivided attention.

A simple yet bold bass line meanders throughout the track, providing it with a sating depth and assertive, full-bodied sound.

Front man Francis Doran's vocals are an inexplicably suave purr, embellished with a powerful grit. Occasionally his accent dominates a word, warming the track with an endearing candidness. His 'ai-ai-ai's' in the chorus gives the track a lighthearted catchiness - admittedly it's more on the Scouse(r on a night out) side than Americana but it's fun and makes you bop along.

He has an unrivaled energy that is both entertaining and incredibly alluring, which is essential for the front man of a band with such a colossal sound. He's a definite focal point but still allows the other members to shine throughout the track.



However, the star of the track is undeniably trumpeter Joe Corby. This one man brass section catapults the group from a solid indie-rock group to something really quite phenomenal. It gives them their unique edge and elevates their catchy tracks to the next level.

The delicious climax of the song is signaled by a poignant, sliding guitar lick (2:32) and it's a real "phoah" moment. There's a similar riff in their track 'Friend of a Friend's, so it's clear that  ,Red Rum Club know what their strengths are and how to flaunt them.

Overall, it's a compositionally stunning track that radiates a brazen theatricality and radioactive energy. Individually,  they're all  remarkable performers and they've married their skills into a divine cocktail of the very best of Americana and Indie.

 In a nutshell: it's not just their best track to date - 'Calexico' is an anthem. Hats off to you boys.





FOLLOW SOUNDS OF AN ECCENTRIC


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