Artist: Calibre Album: Shelflife

Year: 2007
Duration: 0:0-1

Calibre's Shelflife: A Critical Review of the Album

Calibre, born as Dominick Martin, is an Irish music producer and DJ, known for his contributions in the drum and bass music scene. With his unique sound and style, he has been a prominent figure in the industry for over two decades. Speaking of his latest album, Shelflife, which was released on October 30, 2020, Calibre takes his listeners on a captivating musical journey that explores a wide range of emotions. In this blog post, I will be giving a critical review of the album and highlight some of its best songs, innovative parts, and overall takeaways.

To begin with, Shelflife is a well-executed album that has something for everyone. The album has a mix of mellow and upbeat tracks that showcase Calibre's versatility as a producer. One of the standout tracks on the album is Time to Breathe, which features vocals from Cimone. The song's hypnotic beat and melancholic lyrics are a perfect match, creating an emotional listening experience that is hard to forget.

Another noteworthy track is Colby Park. With its soulful saxophone melodies and smooth bassline, the song is a perfect example of Calibre's impeccable production skills. The song's dynamic arrangement and layering of instruments show that Calibre is still pushing the boundaries when it comes to sound design.

The album's titular track, Shelflife, is another standout song on the album. With its atmospheric soundscapes and ethereal vocals from Lauren Archer, the song creates a dreamlike listening experience that you can get lost in. The song's production is top-notch, and it shows how Calibre can combine different sounds to create something truly unique.

Moving on to the most innovative parts of the album, one cannot overlook Calibre's use of live instrumentation throughout the album. From the saxophone melodies on Colby Park to the piano riffs on Pilgrim, the use of live instruments adds depth and authenticity to the album. In an era where electronic music dominates the charts, it's refreshing to see an artist bringing live instruments into their production.

Despite the album's many strengths, it's not without its flaws. There are some songs on the album that feel out of place or lackluster, such as Sensual or Barren. These songs don't quite match up to the quality of the rest of the album and can sometimes detract from the overall listening experience. Additionally, some listeners may find that the album's melancholic tone is too much to handle and may prefer more upbeat tracks.

In conclusion, Shelflife is a well-crafted album that showcases Calibre's talent as a producer and his ability to create emotional soundscapes that stay with listeners long after the first listen. While not every song on the album is a standout, the album as a whole is a testament to Calibre's dedication to his craft. As a die-hard fan of drum and bass, I recommend this album to anyone looking for a fresh take on the genre and for anyone who appreciates top-notch production and innovative sound design.

In conclusion, Shelflife is a well-crafted album that showcases Calibre's talent as a producer and his ability to create emotional soundscapes that stay with listeners long after the first listen. While not every song on the album is a standout, the album as a whole is a testament to Calibre's dedication to his craft. As a die-hard fan of drum and bass, I recommend this album to anyone looking for a fresh take on the genre and for anyone who appreciates top-notch production and innovative sound design.