Calico Mantra - ‘Calico Mantra’ | Album Review
March 14 | Written By Lauren Ketterl
Nashville-based band Calico Mantra released their first album, self-titled “Calico Mantra,” on December 21st to finish out 2024, and it certainly rocks its way into the new year.
This psychedelic-rock band has a classic sixties sound similar to Led Zeppelin or Jefferson Airplane but with a more modern vibe like Tame Impala. The 4-piece band, which includes Leonardo Faillce, Victor Arruda, Jacob Emran, and Maxx Marotta, took their love for 60’s psychedelic music and made it their own. The twelve-song album comprises four singles, some of which have release dates all the way back to 2020.
The first song, titled ‘Dream Machine,’ has a very Led Zeppelin sound, with the psychedelic sound of Faillace’s voice and rhythmic beat. The lyrics, “Baby, baby, you’re my dream machine, you shine like a star full of diamonds” have a romantic feel, showing a beautiful way to express one’s admiration for someone.
‘Burn Away’ and ‘The Time Has Come’ both have similar vibes of more upbeat melodies with melo lyrics. They both sound like songs you’d hear on a classic rock radio station. These songs do a good job of capturing the traditional psychedelic-rock sound combined with the unique sound of lead singer Leonardo Faillace’s voice making these songs a perfect mix of classic and modern.
Another gem on this album is the song ‘Shade of Love.’ This song sticks to the theme of psychedelic sounds but has lyrics that lean more towards rock, similar to Bon Jovi. It has a lecture feel to the lyrics, with small sections feeling like they are talking directly to you.
‘Smile’ is another one of those heavy-hitting songs that makes you feel like you are drifting off into oblivion. All the songs on this album give you a feeling of peace and serenity with the psychedelic sound mixed with the hefty lyrics. These songs feel like a road trip with your favourite people down long backroads.
Although this is the group’s first album, fans of this group will be itching for what else is to come from this up-and-coming band.