.:: Just a few short weeks after the release of The Mars Volta's "The Bedlam in Goliath", Volta songwriter Omar Rodriguez Lopez is out to prove that he is a force to be reckoned with in 2008 with his latest solo release "Calibration."
Although "Calibration" is a solo piece, Lopez does have plenty of guests come by to assist in his work. With appearances by Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante and Mars Volta singer Cedric Bixler Zavala to name a few, "Calibration" is in no short supply of star power. However, the question lies not in who is on the album, but what it sounds like.
What sets "Calibration" apart from other rock albums is the variety of sounds created. While Lopez could rely entirely on his guitar playing ability to carry the album, the addition of violin, various woodwinds and a heavy presence of a wide variety of synthesizers make "Calibration" sound unlike anything else.
The instrument that is the most pleasantly surprising in "Calibration" is the violin. While a lot of "Calibration" has a jam feel to it, the use of violins in tracks "El Monte T'Ai", and "Grey (Cancion Para El)" adds in a melancholic feel that takes the album to a whole other level.
In "Calibration," Lopez embraces his Hispanic culture, which adds to his already diverse sound. The song "El Monte T'Ai" has fully Spanish lyrics. Lopez also fuses in a Mexican vibe to various songs.
One song that is a perfect example of how Lopez uses his Hispanic culture to enhance is "Cortar El Cuello". The song features only guitars, and despite the lack of lyrics feels like it is telling a story of desolation and solitude. While one guitar part is slow and has a Mexican feel to it, an additional wailing guitar is also present. The fusion of the two makes for a very amazing sound.
The most memorable track off "Calibration" is the opening track "Mexico." The track starts off sounding like a soothing lullaby. Tina Rodriguez's beautiful voice is accompanied by a delicate Mexican harp to make a sound that is undeniably calm and relaxed. Then synthesizers, funky slap bass, a delightfully random guitar riff, and drumming that can be described as nothing short of an absolute shredding all enter to create an orgy of sound that will get anyone to tap their feet along to the beat.
Of course, no Omar Rodriguez Lopez album would be complete without some sick guitar licks, and "Calibration" is no means in short supply. Lopez, already one of the premier guitarists of our time, flaunts his versatility throughout this album.
Some of the guitar that is present is similar to the work Lopez has done with the Mars Volta. The title track sounds like something straight out of a Volta album. Volta front man Cedric Bixler Zavala comes by on vocals to make for a very familiar sound. The track is saturated with up tempo, psychedelic guitar solos that will leave listeners begging for more.
Overall, "Calibration" is definitely a worthwhile pick up for a fan of Omar Rodriguez Lopez's work. It is impressive to see that Lopez has released a combined 11 solo and Mars Volta albums since 2004, and still manages to come out with solid releases.
download: omar rodriguez-lopez - calibration
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