Carte Blanche - Summer's End

  by Malcolm Carter

published: 11 / 4 / 2004

Label: Shmat Records
Format: CD

intro

Dreamy, beautiful collection of pop songs and concept from new duo and real-life couple Carte Blanche, which soundtracks "not only a summer but also a new relationship with all the pitfalls that go with the territory"

“It’s the beginning, the end of something, this is where it is, this is where it starts…” so runs the only clue as to what these songs are about on the CD inlay. So a collection of love songs then? Right and that quote and the title of the EP sum up the feeling conveyed by this collection of seven songs perfectly. Carte Blanche is made up of Richard Cranch (also guitarist with Light Sleeper) and Dana Kruse (bassist for the brilliantly named December Stars). The couple wrote, played and produced all the songs on this, their debut EP together, and they have presented a collection of dreamy, beautiful pop songs to soundtrack not only a summer but also a new relationship with all the pitfalls that go with the territory. Lovely as these songs are, it takes a few plays before they really have an effect. Some of this is down to the muddy production, and although the songs deal with the down side of a relationship as well as the highs, all the songs have a sombre feel to them, and it’s not until the melodies have shown their beauty after three or so plays that the EP really shines. A brighter production would have made the recording that much more interesting from the first listen. The playing, especially the guitar parts are outstanding; the track ‘Today I’m Crying’, a contender for best track here, is one of the better produced songs, but the gorgeous guitar which brings the song to its close would have sounded so much better if it was just that bit brighter. Okay, any song with lines like “I haven’t slept a night or two because of the things going on between me and you” deserves a solemn feel, but the guitarwork is so beautiful and conveys the feeling of the lyrics so well that it should be heard in all its glory! Both Richard and Dana share vocal duties, with Richard taking the most lead vocals which is a shame in some ways as Dana’s vocals on ‘Don’t Forget Love’ are stronger than Richard’s on some on his songs. But they compliment each other well as on the title track which is where the quote at the beginning of this review comes from, and there their voices blend together to good effect. It’s also a stunning song. It’s amazing that a duo can produce such an atmospheric sound. With eerie strings conjuring up, well, a windy day at the end of summer surprisingly, its the one track that really does benefit from the dense production. If this summer means new love for you, this EP will no doubt help with all the emotions that go with it. For everyone else it’s a collection of superbly crafted guitar based pop songs which bears repeated playing.

Track Listing:-