Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *

Alexx Calise, the Californian based musician whose life is as interesting as her music is wild, enthusiastic and stunning, has released her new E.P., simply titled AC3 and as usual her dedication to her music is nothing short of outstanding.

With two solo albums behind her and to much critical acclaim and an absolute belter of a recording with Dennis Morehouse for the Sound of Cancer album Vampires in Gilroy, there could have been a lot of intense pressure on Ms. Calise to go even further than before and go off the scale.

Alexx Calise is a very different proposition to a lot of women making their way in the West Coast world of American music. Not only is she an utterly and truly remarkable a musician in her own right but she knows her own mind and this comes across throughout the five songs she has put together for this E.P.  From the emotionally dark but absorbing Vampires In Gilroy, Alexx returns to the splendour of the 2010 release of In Avanti and AC3 is just as intelligent, just as fascinating and almost as close to perfection as music is meant to be.

Since Alexx’s debut album, the superb Morning Pill, the voice that first spell-blinded her fans has grown along with the way that Alexx’s confidence has increased and for this the songs that prowl and parade through the E.P. are hauntingly brilliant. There might not be a full album’s worth of tracks for the listener to revel in for a while as the long winter evenings continue to draw in but Not Crazy, Outta Here Alive, the unforgettable Break My Heart, Why and Survive are more than enough to keep any music lover going, all that is needed is a warm glow from a fire and good company to enjoy it with. Some music should always be shared with friends.

It is just a shame that the people of the U.K. haven’t had the distinct pleasure of watching this woman perform live in the clubs and venues this side of the Atlantic. With any luck it really won’t be long before this talented and creative musician is thrilling audiences beyond her native America.

Ian D. Hall