Search - Calico System :: They Live

"They Live" Indeed

LeftManOut | TheCityThatNeverSleeps, FL | 11/30/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After "The Duplicated Memory", which was more or less just a re-release of their "Love Will Kill All" EP with 2 new tracks and a re-recorded older demo, it's about time Calico System unleashed some new music on us. And with "They Live" Calico System has cemented their place in the harcore scene, with one of 2005's sleeper hits. The five piece melodic hardcore band has taken the proto-typical formula for hardcore, added some of their own flavor, and created an album that is sure to destroy as well comfort. If they were ever dead, then Calico System is indeed alive again.



Opening up with the explosive title track, "They Live", Calico System can hit you hard and heavy with their intense riffs and powerful sounds, only to slip into beautiful melodies like found in the chorus. This is more or less the formula which the cd follows, which while it has been done before (many, many times by now I must admit) is no less engrossing than any of the other mainstay hardcore bands which are doing it right now. The guitars throw out some aggressive and interesting riffs on "The Apparition" and "This Is Goodbye" only to go into devastingly heavy breakdowns. Songs like "Venomous Lipstick" and "In Our Way" show off Calico System's more melodic side, while not being overly emo or poppy. The vocals on this album are much more powerful than they were on the last record. The screams seem to be deeper and pack more power behind them, while the melodies seem to be more thought out and well executed. The lyrics are pretty much along the same line as any other band in the same genre, but Calico System tries to touch on some different and important issues such as abuse, like on "Venomous Lipstick". The only problem the cd seems to have is its repetiveness. While the songs are good, few are distinct from one another. Sometimes you may slip up and realize you're two tracks after where you started, without even realizing songs have ended. A lot of songs tend to blend together, especially if you're not paying attention, which makes the listen lack somewhat of a grasping feeling. However one cannot deny the considerable step up Calico System has made since their last release "The Duplicated Memory" with this record. The cd is a solid listen for any fan of hardcore that likes a healthy does of melody in their music. Stand outs are "They Live", "Ballad Of Mr. Gachot" and "Eva Braun".



Calico System's "They Live" will probably go relatively unnoticed this year because of bigger bands in their genre claiming all the attention. However this is probably one of the better unrecognized albums to be released this year. If you're a fan of melodic hardcore or metalcore, then you're in for a treat. If you liked the band on "The Duplicated Memory", prepare to be amazed at how much this band has grown since the last time you listened to them. They may not necessarily floor you with their music, but they will most likely entertain you for the 32 minutes this cd lasts. While it's a little repetitive, there's definitely some great things that Calico System offer up with this release. The band got it right with their title, because Calico System lives indeed."

Very good cd but different from previous releases

Jason Rubo | Chicago | 11/09/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I thought this cd was great but it did not really sound like old calico system...This screaming seemed deeper to me...anyways though it was still really good, much better recording then previous releases, but some songs can feel repetitive..."