There were two types of songs on Calibretto 13's debut, Enter the Danger Brigade: fun, quirky novelty songs (think "High Five" and the excellent cover of "Ballroom Blitz"); and heavy-handed, finger-pointing "issue" songs (think "Spoiled Brat" and the completely regrettable "Creep"). Adventures in Tokyo, the band's follow-up, has eliminated the former and left us with twelve unlistenable fist-pumping, chest-beating anthems. Calibretto 13, of course, seems to seek to be the Christian version of folk-punk pioneers the Violent Femmes. This is completely unnecessary, since head Femme Gordon Gano is a practicing Christian, and wrote numerous songs about his beliefs. Calibretto's total irrelevance wasn't such a big deal with Danger Brigade, though, since the fun songs were fun and catchy enough to bring us past the dead weight that made up the rest of the album. Unfortunately, Adventures in Tokyo is 100% dead weight, and even when frontman Joe Whiteford cans his finger-pointing and attempts honest soul-searching on "Father," he sounds dishonest and smarmy. I'm sure Calibretto 13 has a particular audience in mind with this record, but I can't imagine anyone really enjoying it, especially not the people whose minds they're trying to change.
Editors' ratings - Doug 3/5, Jason 1.5/5
Other coverage for this album
Decapolis March 2002Reviewed by Clara SayreI'd never really heard Calibretto 13 before Tom sent me this pre-release copy of "Adventures in Tokyo" to review. So I've been doing some research on their website (http://www.calibretto13.com) to find out more about them before I evaluate this album. My first reaction to this album was one of disinterest, but I must admit, with each listen I'm becoming a bit intrigued. This album just came out…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Kerry MaffeoLike many bands, Calibretto 13 ran the gamut of group members and band names before settling on a winner. Comprised of three hard-working, passionate musicians, the band recently released their second label album, Adventures in Tokyo. Featuring passionate lyrics and lively music, this band claims to be punk/folk, which is an intriguing combination. Boiled down, their sound is like a cross between…Similar sounding releases
2000Secret Sounds of the NSAEyes to the Skies
the dipsomaniacsUndertow
2001FairmontPretending Greatness Is Awaiting
1998Morella's ForestFrom Dayton With Love
2005The New PornographersTwin Cinema
2002Matt Skiba / Kevin SecondsSplit
