[New Releases] CALEXICO

CALEXICO

“Edge of the Sun”

Label: Anti Records

Genre: Indie folk

The ninth studio album from the Tucson, Arizona-based Calexico is a sonic road trip through the American Southwest, the roots of rock ’n’ roll, the music of Mexico and more.

There has always been a strong Latin strand to the band’s country-tinged indie rock. “Edge of the Sun’’ is partly inspired by time spent in Mexico City, so Cumbia and mariachi sounds mix with the guitar and pedal steel.

Core Calexicans Joey Burns, on vocals and guitar, and multi-instrumentalist John Convertino are joined by guests including Iron & Wine, Neko Case, Ben Bridwell from Band of Horses, Mexican singer Carla Morrison, Spanish musician Amparo Sanchez and members of the Greek group Takim.

Mexican sounds assert themselves on “Cumbia de Donde,’’ the instrumental “Coyoacan’’ and the brooding “Beneath the City of Dreams,’’ culminating in a trip to the U.S. heartland with “Woodshed Waltz.’’

Through it all, Burns’ weathered, wistful voice lends the songs a sense of restless yearning. At its best, the music on “Edge of the Sun’’ is retro, modern and timeless. AP