Calico

Silverset, a Bay Area indie band, transports you to a simpler time with their song “Calico”. A quiet sense of innocence and possibility runs through it – like being young and feeling your whole life stretched out ahead of you. I’ll attribute much of that feeling to Nicole Fruth’s smooth, understated vocal delivery.

The song opens with a quietly bouncing synth reminiscent of The Postal Service. Unlike “Such Great Heights” though, we’re treated to a production that sounds wholly natural, with acoustic drums and an overall sense of human endeavor. “My love is an echo. You are the room. My heart is an ocean reflecting in moonlight. My world mirrors you.” The lyrics hint at the songwriter’s youth with a touch of naivety, but the vocal melody more than elevates their simplicity.

The song flows effortlessly into the chorus: “Calico, where did you go? Colors and shapes I couldn’t decode. Drawn to the places nobody goes.” The song doesn’t shift much in emotional tone, remaining largely upbeat, but the chorus brings in some mystery with its ‘calico’ lover: a figure whose emotions and demeanor form a patchwork that’s hard to understand. The symbolism used here provides some depth to the song.

The bridge offers a welcome shift in momentum, driven by a snare-heavy groove that builds anticipation into the final chorus. I also love the subtle overdrive on the bass guitar, it adds a nice edge. The vocal embellishments in the closing chorus bring a final surge of intensity that leaves you excited to hear more from these emerging young artists.