The Dead Of The Day
Shrimper, 2020
8/10
An integral member of the long running indie outfit Refrigerator and also the founder of Shrimper Records, Dennis Callaci delivers a 3rd solo album with Aaron Alcala, Franklin Bruno, Allen Callaci and Henry Callaci are on hand to help make this drum less listen of guitar minimalsim and piano balladry.
“All Saints” starts the listen with a bare acoustic guitar picking in the 15+ minutes of intimate beauty that’s entirely instrumental and picks up about 10 minutes in with dense fuzz before retreating back to sparse, and the title track follows with fluid keys as soft and expressive singing enters the dark, folk spirit.
Near the middle, “On A Line” relies on a mesmerizing piano melody as Callaci’s delivers vivid storytelling, while “Broadway Blues Pt. II” flows with a stripped back, Americana approach of pretty yet rugged musicianship. “Halloween”, one of the fuller tunes, then radiates grit with Callici exploring his vocal range in playful, yet soothing ways.
Closer to the end, “Alchemists” pairs strong piano with cryptic wordplay, and “Penny Whistle” moves slowly with emotion amid a precise, cautious setting. “The Day Of The Dead Pt. II” ends the listen louder, mysterious and as creative as the rest of the listen.
Callaci released his novel, 100 Cassettes, at the same time as this album, and the narrative of the book ties into the themes of The Day Of The Dead. A record with absolutely zero mainstream appeal, Callaci and company recorded much of the record live to a two track, and its raw, plaintive and minimal approach leaves an impression long after the music stops.
Travels well with: Refrigerator- High Desert Lows; Conor Oberst- Salutations