Calliope's sound is frequently brilliant, moving between the instrumental clarity of post-rock (both Bundy K. Brown and John McEntire were involved in the recording of
I Can See You with My Eyes Closed) and a slinky,
Slint-y style of dynamic indie-rock.
I Can See You with My Eyes Closed is an extremely well-crafted combination of these influences; at times, the band's instrumentation is punctuated by horns, woodwinds, and vibes; just often enough, they veer into more standard indie-rock territory, doing so with a refreshingly sophisticated sense of composition. Programming and sounds from Designer lend portions of a slightly electronic influence (which is, again, seamlessly blended into the whole). The album is an excellent release, and will certainly be a treat for fans of post-rock instrumental work (from Godspeed You Black Emporer to
Tortoise) and for those who enjoy dark, dynamic indie as well. ~ Nitsuh Abebe