Calexico have been regular visitors to Australia over the years. They are always welcome. For many reasons, but above all I believe it's their glowing humanity and warm nature that makes them so popular. Last night at the Sydney Opera House was in fact the fourth time I have seen the Arizona collective. And it was as much fun as the previous times. Although I think a different venue would have suited them a little better. Although they were chuffed to play this iconic venue for the first time, their blend of folk, rock, tex-mex is proably better played out in a sweaty hall where you can move to the rhythms. But no matter, it was still a lot of fun.

Calexico, through years of touring, are a well oiled machine on stage. They are cheerful and in the mood for a good time. Joey Burns leads the band well with a voice that is probably a little under rated. It suits the music well. They are one of those bands that might not be truly exceptional, but they damn well do everything well. But it's the horns that probably get the heart racing the most. Jacob Valenzuela and Martin Wenk play the trumpet with demonic fervour. It's truly intoxicating. The band gave a bit of everthing last night. More recent songs like "Splitter" and "Epic" were wonderful, whilst old favourites like "Across The Wire" and  "Güero Canelo" were true crowd pleasers. Two covers were extra special too. A great take on the Joy Division classic "Love Will Tear Us Apart" was well received, whilst "Alone Again Or" was a wonder to behold. Probably my favourite though was when support act Tiny Ruins joined the band on stage for "Slowness". This was delightful and beautiful. We were in safe hands with Calexico. As always.

Set List
Frontera/Trigger
Across The Wire
Splitter
Roka
Dead Moon
Yours And Mine
Minas De Cobre (For Better Metal)
Inspiración
Pepita/Epic
Maybe On Monday
Two Silver Trees
Victor Jara's Hands
Slowness (With Tiny Ruins)
Not Even Stevie Nicks/Love Will Tear Us Apart
Alone Again Or (Love cover)
Puerto

Fortune Teller
Güero Canelo
The Vanishing Mind