Listeners might recognize Immaculate Machine vocalist Kathryn Calder from one of those New Pornographer’s concerts that Neko Case couldn’t attend.
As a relatively competent singer and niece of head Pornographer Carl Newman, she was a natural selection as a fill-in, and apparently filled things in so well that the band is making space for her on its next album, Challengers. If I were one of her band mates, I’d be worried, because she’s the only thing that makes Immaculate Machine close to listenable.
Fables, the band’s third album, sounds curiously similar to the aforementioned super group, but the comparison is superficial only. Fables is sickly sweet but without the fizz. “Roman Statues” hints at potential, but Calder’s vocals clash with co-vocalist Luke Kozlowski, who strains to make himself heard.
Calder herself seems far too demure on her own band’s album, unfortunately receding from the fore and settling into a quasi-backup role on many tracks. When she gets to stand alone on “Blinding Light,” she’s dog-piled by tremolo effects and gauzy production that hides her from view.
Kozlowski on the other hand is more than willing to show off, but lacks the charisma or chemistry to sell fast and furious tracks like “Pocket.” In any case, Calder’s been called up to the major leagues. She’ll need to work harder to stand out in such a crowd.
– Michael Patrick Brady
Immaculate Machine (Mint Records)