Calla better have "Strength in Numbers" after "Collisions"...

You're just going to have to forgive the bad puns and ridiculousness. Or stop reading. Just a side note.

Calla's latest album, Strength in Numbers, certainly does it's best to give you that impression. Much more "mainstream" than their previous albums... less weird, more straightforward guitar/drum combos with Aurelio Valle's dark brooding vocals casting a shadow that might just make you "Stand Paralyzed" here being the definition of "mainstream." This doesn't mean it's not good, however. It's a strong album, albeit one I often turn on when I have to get something done... determinedly. With song titles like: "Sanctify" and "Malicious Manner" what you hear might not be such a surprise, in truth this album might make a good horror movie soundtrack... going down a darkened hall, turning corners, the camera not letting you see anything before the characters do so that you grip the edge of the couch and maybe even pull your feet up. It would be fair to accuse Strength in Numbers of moodiness of melancholy, but in a dark, mysterious, and rather sexy manner. Definitely has it's fair share of stuck in the head moments, but don't expect any sappy, poppy, diabetes-sweet notes out of this one; as if the cover didn't already give you that information. While not an absolutely perfect album (the tracks all run together after awhile) the lazy smog of Calla is present (and strong) in Numbers.