But equally important is the more personal note that Joey brings to, interestingly, the albums gorgeous, harmony-laden pop numbers – the melancholy pop of ‘Lucky Dime’ with its “bup-bup-bup-bup aahhh” back ups, the breezy but yearning ‘Bisbee Blue’ and the laments of regret, ‘Yours & Mine’, and ‘Smash’. He even brings an intimate, lover’s whisper to the all-French lyrics to ‘Nom De Plume’ – nevermind that it’s a fearsome tale of decay and catastrophe.

Closing track ‘All Systems Red’ is the most marked musical detour – a massive 6 minute crescendo, with guitars surging round Burns as he howls, “I wanna tear it all down/and build it up again”.

“It was fun to bust out the guitars and get Paul, Martin and myself plugged in with pedals buzzing, feedback swirling,” Burns laughs, at last admitting the hidden rock monster within. “I guess it shows more during live shows. So why not try it here... in the peaceful and quiet studio. Ha!“

“I've been channelling Charlie Watts while Joey channels Mike Watt,” Convertino smiles. “I’ve finally come back around to enjoying a simple rock beat, while praying for some roll in there as well.”

Given Convertino’s distinctive drumming style, there’s plenty of roll alongside this new rock. ‘Smash’ picks up where Feast Of Wire left off: a simple, delicately arranged tune with feedback drifting through like smoke, Burns’ gentle vocal offset by Convertino’s perfectly balanced brushstrokes. ‘Roka’ – with its sultry guest vocal from Barcelona based Amparo Sanchez (of Amparanoia) – is a nod to the Spanish and jazz influences that underpin the band’s musicianship.

Garden Ruin is where Calexico fill those dusty, empty landscapes they’ve long documented with a big, big sound. Taking full advantage of the rockin’ Calexico live band, the record distils its multicultural roots, the input of a producer, new domestic arrangements, international affairs, broadening horizons, developing ambitions and changing scenery. It’s not your average Calexico album, but then again, it never is with this band.