CALE, ZACHARY - Noise of Welcome

On his third album, Louisiana bred Brooklyn resident ZACHARY CALE casts a wide net, encompassing everything hes done previously whether solo or with band accompaniment. Recorded in 2009 at his home studio Noise of Welcome is a collection of songs that is distinctly modern in tone and substance. Moving from acoustic ballads and oddly tuned instrumentals to electrified country and Kinksian pop the album projects a kind of psych/folk/rock hybrid, recalling the genre shifts of Fleetwood Macs Tusk or Big Stars Sisters Lovers. Featuring performances by members of Cales former ensemble, ILLUMINATIONS, and guest spots by CHRIS BROKAW, D. CHARLES SPEER and ANNI ROSSI, Cales signature finger-picking technique is reinforced with grander orchestral movements and a full backing band which helps to illuminate the brilliance of his craft. Lyrically we are given what weve come to expect of Cale: thought provoking narrative hymnals, with bracing rumination and longing delivery, but these songs feel lighter. Perhaps this is because hes shifted away from the dark imagery of past efforts into a spiritual twilight, with themes of forgiveness, redemption, absolution and even... celebration. His voice too has grown more versatile, with subtle vibrato lifts complimenting higher pitched cries, bringing to mind contemporaries such as Cass Mccombs or Andy Cabic. Noise of Welcome may prove to be Zachary Cales greatest achievement as a singer/composer to date: a testament to his unique craftmanship and unconditional love of songs. - All Hands Electric. "Zachary Cale is the best singer-songwriter working right now... Noise of Welcome is an impressive achievement and one of the most heartfelt and beautiful records of the year without a doubt."-Matthew Fiander (Pop Matters).