carousel - carousel

Carousel

Carousel
self-released; 2013

3.5 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

In 2011 two guys called Richie and Liam formed a duo under the name The Vanishing Isle. They quickly realized that their songs could only reach their full potential with a proper lineup.  They eventually recruited Myles (bass) and Kyle (drums) to fill out the rest of the roster. Upon the addition of the new members they felt it was also best to change the name of their band to Carousel. They recently released a three-song EP simply titled E.P., which displays the chemistry these guys have when they get in a room together.

Carousel creates rock music that is commercially accessible but has very welcome elements of post-rock that salvage some of the moments that might make hipsters cringe. The music is often on the verge of falling into too many clichés but redeems itself with technical proficiency as well as some creativity that should not go unnoticed. 

The first song on the album is the hyperactive “Strike The Beater.” One of the first things that struck me was the drum work. It really drove the song and had me questioning if their drummer was part machine. The song unfolds in pretty standard format with a softer verse that transitions to a bigger chorus with distorted guitars, more intense singing and more cymbals. Nothing mind-blowing but a solid song. 

The second song “Falling” was the highlight of the three for me. It utilizes atmospheric guitars not unlike something you would hear from Explosions in the Sky as well as soft but effective piano. The song builds as it progresses. Everything becomes more intense as it approaches the apex at about two minutes and thirty seconds in. 

The last song on the album is called “Wreckage.” It follows a verse - chorus - verse format and in my opinion was probably the best candidate as the single as it is the most emotionally resonant song.

Carousel is a tight band that can write solid songs but tend to have a lot of characteristics that may lump them in with other commercial band. Overall, the good outweighs the bad.

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