"Alexx Calise is 'In Avanti.'" - Music Review

Tweet About a week ago I got an email from this girl named Alexx Calise. Alexx has been featured in “Guitar World,” “Singer & Musician,” and “Blender” magazines. She also has music from her first album “Morning Pill” on heavy rotation in VH1 and MTV reality shows. Her song “Morning Pill” was also featured in the “One Tree Hill” promo. Alexx emailed to tell me that she had a new album out called “In Avanti,” which was produced by Grammy nominated producer Luigie Gonzalez.

I’ve been known to be overly positive in most of my music reviews. The reason is because I am passionate about music. It’s really exciting to hear new artists for the first time, especially when they’re good. Alexx Calise is no different. Her name alone has rock n roll written all over it. But just wait until you hear her music.

The first song on the album is called “Anything Goes.” It kicks off with this industrial/dance build up, almost Rob Zombie-ish. If I had to describe what the album sounds like I’d say it’s a mixture of Nine Inch Nails and Shakira. Let me be clear, this doesn’t sound like Shakira singing Nine Inch Nails songs, because that would sound terrible. It is more of a mixture of the two. The keyboards and drums have a very industrial tone to them. Much of the time the guitar is distorted and heavy and the riffs are instantly memorable. The beat and Alexx’s voice add an element of pop to the formula. It’s a very original sound and it works. On her MySpace page (http://www.myspace.com/alexxcalise) she describes the album as “high energy ‘rocktronica’ collaboration.”

“Anything Goes” would be a great opening song for a live show. As I mentioned before it kicks off with an awesome build up and I can hear the crowd chanting, ‘Yeah!’ along with the beat. The next song “Break Me” is going to be a huge hit. It has to be. It’s just a matter of people hearing this song. If it doesn’t end up being a hit I’ll be shocked (but I’ve been wrong before, I thought “Rock Star Supernova” alum Dilana’s song “Holiday” would be a hit).

“Break Me” speaks to the teenager who is fighting with his or her friends, or just broke up or is fighting with their parents. It’s a fun song about being determined. Check out the video below.

The album is full of heavy upbeat songs. Along with the first two tracks a couple of the more upbeat songs are “Get Used to It,” “My Song,” “Saying Goodbye,” and “Good Enough.” “Good Enough” is probably my favorite of the heavy bunch, because it kind of reminds me of like a heavy metal Alanis Morissette, with a big chorus.

“In Avanti” also has its share of slower songs, starting with “Cry.” You know when you’re experiencing a certain emotion, let’s say excitement, you want to put an upbeat song on to pump you up? If you’re pissed off you want to play a song to help get that anger out. Sometimes you’re just down and you want to listen to a song that you can relate to. “Cry” is definitely a song you can turn to when you’re bummed. One thing most of these songs have in common is that they have big chorus’ you can sing along to. Those kinds of songs usually translate well on the radio. There are probably at least four songs on here that could be hits. “Cry” is definitely one of those songs that could be on the radio.



The song “Out of Site” may actually be my favorite song on the album. It starts off with keyboards that kind of remind me of the “Halloween” theme song. The song goes from 0 to 100 then back down to 0 by the end of it. It’s probably the song that best captures the essence of the entire album. The first verse starts off soft, but the chorus comes in heavy, then the song starts building from there, with the second verse being heavier and the bridge being even heavier. Then the song transitions right back to where it began. It really is a great song.

The last song on the album “See You Again” almost sounds like a completely different artist, but it’s cool. It kind of sounds like Sheryl Crow, Alanis Morissette and Avril Lavigne got together and wrote a song. Oddly enough I’d say “See You Again” is one of the four songs I’d consider potential hits. I think it is a good move on her part as well, because if this album takes off she won’t be tied down to one style of music.

Be sure to head over to alexxcalise.net or http://www.myspace.com/alexxcalise to check out Alexx Calise. You can purchase her new album “In Avanti” on her website. Also be on the lookout for her other musical project entitled “Sound of Cancer featuring Dennis Morehouse.” I’m really excited about showing people this album; I really think there are a wide range of music fans who will like Alexx Calise’s music.

BYLINE:

Bob Zerull is the Managing Editor of Zoiks! Online. He writes pop culture commentary, does interviews with bands, and reviews music and stand-up concerts. He also administers Zoiks! Online's Facebook page. Follow Bob on twitter at bzerull. Email Bob at bob@zoiksonline.com.

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