Texas Platters

Calhoun

Calhoun's third album finds the Fort Worth group congealing into a solid force, polished by Stuart Sikes' production into a pop-rock sheen. Tim Locke's vocals pitch high with a hushed trill, leading the material in a moody but not overly dramatic fashion that recalls Frames frontman and Swell Seasoner Glen Hansard. Opener "Breathe" exhales into a driving chorus, while the contemplative build of "Drifting" torques a tension that collapses into the fervent bounce and shouts of "Apocalypse (a Love Story)." The deceptively eclectic arrangements temper Locke's most emotive moments, as with the unexpected touch of bluesy funk and horns buried behind the desperation of "Silent Jagged Years" and pedal steel/organ of "Hunting." The songwriter excels best in the soft piano waltz and forced restraint of "Funeral for the Living" and cautious climax of closer "The Earth Has Lost Its Hold."