6/10

Since the late 90s, Calexico have been the quintessential staple of American and Mexican musical fusion. Named after the border town of Calexico, although the band themselves are actually from Tucson, Arizona, they have always been portrayed as a beacon for North American multiculturalism and now onto their ninth album and first since 2012, 'Edge Of The Sun' looks to continue their own journey of musical discovery.

Taking the southern fried country music sound of the southern US states and combining it with the brass section of a solemn mariachi band, this new full-length is less of a complete fusion as it is a bundle of different tracks with their own clear influence and direction. Jumping from brooding folk-esque lullabies to uplifting latin rhythms keeps the record feeling less like a focused release and more like a homage to both sides of their national borders.

The result is a confusing yet still enjoyable release that will definitely keep you on your toes, and at the very least, deliver a few surprises as it plays.