A Tale of Two Caleys

originally published August 15, 2007

This week, Flagpole shines on the local duo A Tale of Two Caleys. Though Caley Smith and Caley Ross have known each other since kindergarten, it wasn't until the summer of 2004 that the two came together to form the band. Musically, the group sounds like a science-fiction folk musical. The lyrics address metaphysics, space and time with a heavy amount of French and Greek wordplay.

Perhaps the biggest draw of the band is Smith's willingness to lyrically tackle any subject. "Right now, I'm working on a song about the technology that will allow two women or two men to give birth to a child," he says. "It could change everything. Maybe our future demographics will see a nation half-straight, half-gay, ten percent male, and ninety percent female. It seems like a fascinating topic to write about anyway."

The music fluctuates between quiet hymns reminiscent of more traditional folk music of the 18th century, and up-tempo indie rock ballads that are one part Robyn Hitchcock, one part Elliott Smith. Flagpole was able to wax philosophical with the two Caleys after a recent show at Hot Corner Coffee.

Flagpole

It's definitely hard to categorize the band. I was at the show, and everything from folk to prog rock to new wave came to mind. How would you describe yourselves?

Caley Smith

I've heard it described a lot of ways. If you can believe it, we've been compared to everything from Love and Rockets to Meatloaf. I'd say the presentation is somewhat folk-rock opera.

Caley Ross

And I like to think we get crunk every now and then…

Flagpole

How do you come up with the abstract lyrics in your music?

Caley Smith

Sometimes they come together slowly over a long time, which lets me sift through a lot of words, and the end result is it ends up a little more cryptic… I think we cheat people when we tell them hard things too easily. I started writing in high school; I was in awe of the language Jeff Mangum and Joanna Newsom could yoke. During my undergraduate [years], I abandoned my physics and religion majors, partially because I could never find reality sufficiently expressed in these disciplines. Ultimately, it was untasselling Rig Vedic hymns that taught me how to write.

Flagpole

What sort of things influence the subject matter of your songs?

Caley Ross

What little I have written is based mainly on overcoming life's obstacles. "Interlude" concerns frustration at a failed relationship. My portion of "Fathers, Mothers, Brothers, Sisters" addresses my own impending death, and what I'd want to tell my dearest loved ones before it comes. In contrast to Smith, I prefer a more direct approach to lyricism.

Flagpole

What other Athens bands are you digging right now?

Caley Smith

I've been listening to a lot of Christopher's Liver. They bring a surreal joy to their stage presence that is amazing; [in] every song, they make you feel like they are having the time of their lives. I think they are.

Caley Ross

I'm still hoping that there'll be a [Hope For Agoldensummer record] coming soon. Other than that, Long Legged Woman has seriously challenged my musical concepts. I can't wait to hear more from them.

Flagpole

Is there an EP or CD available?

Caley Ross

We currently have a demo EP that we like to peddle to audiences. We are currently working on a more polished EP that may be ready before September. We'll see...

Flagpole

What are your aspirations for the band?

Caley Ross

I'd like to play out as much as possible, which is a challenge in and of itself. Success is measured in different ways. The fact that we've been able to play together for the last three years is wonderful, regardless of how many shows we play or the crowds that we can attract. I mean, two Caleys, one town, and the music between them. That's hard to beat.

Caley Smith

I've always wanted to commit some cultural surgery. I feel this could be our chance.

Charley Lee

Spotlight is a biweekly feature looking at newer or emerging local acts.