REVIEW: CALEXICO @ THE GOV

Performing tracks from their classic album Feast of Wine, Calexico dazzled a packed crowd at The Gov.

Words by Tobias Handke

Image by Holly Andres

It's not often you head along to a gig and there's no support, but that didn't damper the mature crowd gathered at The Gov to catch Calexico performing tracks from their classic album Feast of Wine. Currently touring Australia and New Zealand celebrating the 20th anniversary of their critically acclaimed fourth long player, Calexico had everyone on their feet dancing and grooving along to their Tex-Mex inspired tunes from the first trumpet blow. 

Influenced by a wide range of genres, from Latin and funk to country and Americana, Calexico has a sound like no other. Formed by Joey Burns and John Convertino in 1996, the band has been entertaining audiences with their genre-spanning compositions for almost three decades, with their Adelaide performance an awesome showcase of the band’s musical talents. 

The set was made up of tracks predominately from Feast of Wine, with highlights including the funky South American flavour of ‘Quattro (World Drifts In)’, the jazzy free-form spectacular ‘Attack El Robot! Attack!’ and the booty shaking Mariachi sonics of ‘Close Behind’. A cover of Love's 'Alone Again Or' was thrown in for good measure, sticking closely to the original but with added Latin vibes. The gentle guitar strumming of 'Not Even Stevie Nicks...' morphed into a cover of Joy Division's 'Love Will Tear Us Apart', much to the pleasure of all those watching on. 

Frontman Burns took time out to compliment the recent renovations made to The Gov while also praising Taylor Swift for winning the Super Bowl. Although the chat was kept to a minimum, when Burns did speak he did so with an infectious enthusiasm. He really appeared to be having a ball on stage, constantly smiling and acknowledging the crowd with a nod here and wink there. But he wasn’t the only one, with the entire band seemingly digging playing for the boisterous Adelaide crowd. 

While Burns stuck to vocals and guitar and Convertino didn’t move from behind the kit, the other members of Calexico floated between instruments with ease, with Martin Wenk, Jacob Valenezuela and Sergio Mendoza swapping between the trumpet, accordion, keyboard and even a vibraphone. Then there was guitarist Brian Lopez, looking like a cross between Wolfmother’s Andrew Stockdale and American producer Benny Blanco, he mesmerised with this intricate picking and even got the chance to sing a song himself.

Finishing with an encore of Calexico favourites, the crowd clapped along to the Latin rhythms and double trumpet blows and loudly gave deserved props to the band as they wandered off stage, having delighted their loyal following with an incredible night of live music.