Alexx Calise advances on the music world with energetic intensity. Her sophomore album In Avanti, released April 10, 2010 was written and recorded over a three year period with Grammy-nominated producer, Luigie Gonzalez.
The album kicks off with an eerie ringing which develops into “Anything Goes,” a song very reminiscent of 80s dance beats. Given the retro sound, it’s a bit ironic that the chorus chants about “living in the present tense.” When it comes to rock and roll though, it seems that no matter the generation, the youth can claim they’re “young and beautiful and jaded.”
This arrogance is followed with the bitterness of “Break Me.” Jamming guitars and vibrating bass notes support Calise’s determination to remain steadfast despite romance turbulence.
If there is any fear that this album might be filled with female rant after bitter male-bashing rant, that fear is dispelled early on with the beautifully personal “Cry.” Calise bears her soul with heartfelt singing backed by acoustic guitar, piano, and violin.
The somber tone shifts back to flippant defiance in “Get Used to It” and “Good Enough,” both techno dance songs filled with rings, blips, and stuttering repetitions. “My Song” pushes the mind to the brink of overload with its unadorned lyrics and continuous pulsing. Yet it’s at this point that Calise uses “Out of Sight” to slow things down and go deep.
Alternating between anger and desperation, “Out of Sight” comes across as one of the most authentic songs of the album. With utter humility, Calise describes how “Every day is like the one when you left me” and wonders why “Even though I try, I just can’t make myself right.” The backing harmonies blend with guitar and piano to make this song incredibly striking.
Sadness turns to darkness in “Saying Goodbye,” the only song in which the invincible Calise admits she’s been broken. Her vocals are lovely in this haunting piece which features the fullness of explosive guitar jams and melodic synthesizer notes.
Calise might have finally said goodbye, but not for long. “I can’t seem to let go” she admits in the final track, “See You Again.” This lighthearted pop song is uplifting and hopeful, perhaps concluding that in the end, all is well. In a nearly wistful tone, she turns away from the bitter hurt and with aching arms declares, “What I wouldn’t give so I could see you again!” And isn’t that the way it always is? The sting of the heartache is softened and minimized while the beauty of the smile is treasured and desired once more.
This 9-track album runs a gamut of emotions, from the reckless abandon of “Anything Goes” to the guarded sorrow of “Cry” to the bitter blame of “Good Enough” and finally to the optimistic perseverance of “See You Again.” Alexx Calise bears her heart through In Avanti in a way that helps you look more clearly into your own. We most certainly hope to see her – and hear her – again.
Rating: 
~ Myriah Christine, Indie Contributor
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Great review. Gonna check out this girl on iTunes!
At present, her album is available only through her website store. It will be made more widely available in the coming weeks.
Aww man. I really wanted to get this album on iTunes! Do they have her old CD on there?
Yes, it looks like the Morning Pill album is available via iTunes.