I have to start this review off with a brief apology.  I received a copy of this album months ago and was asked if I would review it and I said yes (BTW you too can submit things or get in touch about having something reviewed on the site by clicking the Contact tab at the top of the page).  But then I promptly got busy doing a million other things, followed by much forgetting that this was sitting in my “to do” folder.  I had given it a brief listen but I didn’t want to review anything before giving it a proper listen and it just so happened that didn’t happen until recently.  So my apologies to Ms. Calise and her people.  Anyway let’s get on with it…

In Avanti is the second album from singer/songwriter Alexx Calise, following 2007′s Morning Pill.  On it Alexx rocks her way through 9 tracks, blending elements of pop and electronica in.  Let’s go song by song from the beginning:

Anything Goes is an appropriate album starter, giving a good taste of what lies ahead.  It’s upbeat and a party song about having some fun driven by a decent beat.

Don’t you know anything goes? Don’t worry about the consequences.

Break Me starts with an infusion of electronica and a heavier riff before heading into a mellower verse.  This song reminded me a lot of Evanescence.  Despite the electronic touches and the loud guitars the vocals shine through.  Check out the video below:

Cry is a slower acoustic track that feels more like something you’d expect from a singer/songwriter.  But the lyrics are the star here.  Alexx’s voice is excellent and you can feel the emotion coming from her.  It’s a really enjoyable track that shows off her versatility.

Alexx Calise

Get Used To It brings us back into electronic pop styled music.  I’m honestly not crazy about this track.  It just feels kinda generic to me.

Good Enough (The Dirty South Mix) brings me back to attention.  It’s still a bit generic but the lyrics elevate the track.

I know if you had your way I’d be sitting pretty, sitting pretty on your shelf.

My Song (Version 2.0) starts with an off-putting “Is this thing on?” type studio chatter but once the song itself kicks in that little sin is quickly forgotten.  This is another fun party type song.  Something you can rock out to at a club, complete with a guitar solo.

Don’t let it be the last song.

Out Of Sight is a poppy ballad.  It has more of a genuine feel to it than some of the songs I didn’t really care for and there’s a little rock background to it.  A decent song that I could see getting some decent radio play.

Saying Goodbye brings back that industrialized electronic sound about a broke up.  It’s another good but not quite great track.  Overall though it’s pretty strong and enjoyable.

See You Again is the album closer and is a nice acoustic song with a nice tempo to it put to an electronic drum backbeat.  It’s perhaps one of the stronger songs on the album.  It’s a song about missing someone.  And it’s really a nice blend of the element that make Alexx Calise enjoyable.

Overall In Avanti is a good album that I’d recommend checking out.  She’s got a great voice and there’s more than enough tracks that are really enjoyable to justify spending the $8 (yes only $8) for it.  Currently the only way to get a hold of it is through Alexx Calise’s web site, but it will be available on iTunes and Amazon and the like soon enough I’m told.  But why wait?  Head over to her site and get it now.

I don’t see any current tour dates on her site, but she seems to play a lot around the Los Angeles area, so if you live around there be on the lookout. Also let’s hope she goes on tour soon, as I’d love to see her in NYC.