Search - Calexico, Iron & Wine :: In the Reins

Like Peanut Butter and Chocolate

S. Finefrock | Raleigh, NC | 12/26/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Two of my favorite artists over the last few years have been Sam beam's Iron and Wine and the Tucson, AZ band Calexico. On IN THE REINS they team up to make some great music that dovetails the strengths of the two artists, while covering their weaker aspects.



Calexico has made some breathtaking music by combining eclectic influences such as mariachi music and jazz into their folk-rock stew. Their music resembles the Southwest where they live with a wide open sound. Their cinematic music has a broad enough palette to move in several directions and still retain their distinct personality. If their music has a fault, it's that their lyrics can sometimes fall short of the high standard of their instrumental work.



Iron & Wine on the other hand features the great songwriting of Sam Beam. At this point in his career, he delivered his sublime songs in a whispered acoustic manner that reminds one of Nick Drake or early Elliott Smith. If his early work has a fault, it's that it sometimes needs more dramatic arrangements to differentiate one song from the next.



By collaborating here, both bands mesh their strengths together. The opening track HE LAYS IN THE REINS gives the full Calexico treatment including a dramatic Flamenco vocal that definitely wakes the listener up. From there, it's highlight after highlight with Beam's delicate songs getting just the right amount of instrumental support to make them shine. Elements of Latin, country and jazz wrap onto the bluesy folk rock songs like a custom velvet glove. I'm sure that the experience of this recording encouraged Iron and Wine to tear down its musical boundaries on the excellent THE SHEPHERD'S DOG which was recorded after this in 2007.



This is a definite highlight of both artists' careers; the only drawback is that it's an EP, not a full length release. One can only hope that their paths will cross again.

"

Great Release!!

Barry Wilkerson | Seattle, WA, USA | 09/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Like the above reviewer I was a little worried about this one but for the opposite reason. I love Calexico and had never heard Iron and Wine so I was concerned the band was taking some new direction from the stuff I have really grown to love. I have since been listening to some Iron and Wine and realy like it as well. This EP is fantastic and sounds like they have bee together for a long time, not just as a novelty. Can't wait for the concert!"

Sam Beam Only Gets Better

Matthew | Minneapolis, MN, USA | 09/17/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When The Creek Drank The Cradle was released, many, including myself, were extremely curious about the musical gifts that Iron & Wine had to offer. His whispery, lo-fi sound was vaguely familiar and yet completely original. Since his first release, Sam Beam has no problem churning up new music for us all to enjoy. With every release, Beam has shown growth, both musically and lyrically.



Now, on In The Reins, Iron & Wine has gone somewhere they never have before; straight up rock infused with country and (yes, I'm serious) jazz. The sound is refreshing, completely catchy and most importantly, a new step for Sam Beam. His teaming up with Calexico has worked wonders. This CD is an absolute treat. I can't wait to see where Sam Beam decides to go next. And until then, I'll just continue rocking out to In The Reins."