Album Notes

Alchemy is the long awaited debut album from folk/roots songwriter Dave Calandra. Recorded over two years between New York and Sydney, it hints at influences like Nick Drake, Elliott Smith and Jeff Buckley while retaining a distinctively Australian sound.

Built around acoustic guitar and vocals, the organic production on the album creates continuity through the diverse collection of songs. Arrangements vary from solo-acoustic instrumentals to full-band acoustic rock, however there is a unifying warmth that ensures no song sounds out of place. Strong vocal melodies are supported by subtle finger-picking, while 'roomy' drum sounds embellish, rather than overpower the other instruments.

Dave Calandra is an innovative solo-acoustic performer from Sydney who has devoted the last ten years to honing his 'rootsy folk-rock' sound. From 2000 to 2004 Dave relocated to New York to share his music with a foreign audience and found a wealth of inspiration in the East Village music venues. Although the New York music scene was extremely competitive it was also rewarding to be surrounded by other artists constantly creating new works.

The songs on Alchemy were inspired by the musical transition Dave underwent during this relocation. They express instantly recognizable feelings of longing and yearning, coupled with an acceptance that it's OK if things don't quite turn out the way you had hoped or expected. The understated production only adds to the intimacy between you and the music. These are songs that you will want to listen to again and again, and share with your friends.