I’m sure that there are a lot of people out there that have heard Alexx Calise’s music, but still have no idea who she is. Her songs have been featured in television commercials as well as television shows such as One Tree Hill, Next, and Dance Moms, just to name a few. She just released a brand new EP entitled AC3, which is the follow-up to 2010’s In Avanti. This EP has Alexx getting more in touch with her grunge girl roots and it may surprise a few of you.
If you’re expecting the high gloss production of In Avanti, you are in for a big surprise. This EP is raw and it showcases her skills on the electric guitar on a whole new level. Her guitar playing on AC3 is heavier, with a dirty, aggressive edge to it. The EP may only be five songs in length, but she manages to pack more into the EP than some artists do on a full length album.
The grunge influenced Calise turns up her amp on “Not Crazy” and “Break My Heart” almost as a middle finger in the air to all who have told her throughout her career to play the guitar less, if not at all. These songs rock while still being catchy and infectious. Calise not only proves that she can write a great song, but also proves her mad skills on the guitar.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjAYNLljttY&feature=relmfu]
Two songs really caught my ear for two totally different reasons. On “Survive” you get a glimpse of the sensitive, yet strong, side of Calise. “Outta Here Alive” has a great 80s feel with the big chorus and a great hook. When you throw in the big guitar solo, it just screams 80s power ballad.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_EqBy6tvDc&feature=youtu.be]
Overall, AC3 is a great EP that enables Calise to shine. She has a unique voice that has a little grit to it that really brings raw emotion to her vocal delivery. I also love the guitar tone she uses throughout the EP; it has a unique sound and she definitely knows how to shred on it. AC3 is a solid EP from a talented artist to keep an eye on in 2013.
Make sure you check out my interview with Alexx in the December RockRevolt™Magazine!
~Johnny Price, Journalist for RockRevolt™ Magazine
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ilnHLYtZrqQ]
Survive
Break My Heart
