Carousel - Carousel EP
by Malcolm Carter
published: 19 / 11 / 2017
Label:
Carousel
Format: CDS
intro
Diverse five-track debut EP from Southend On Sea-based Americana group Carousel which displays all sides of the band
The recently released 5-track debut EP from Southend-On Sea’s Carousel sets out this four-piece band's stall very nicely. There’s no denying that the band’s sound is solidly based on what is generally now known as Americana but before we dismiss Carousel as just another UK band jumping on that bandwagon here’s a few possible reasons as to why this EP deserves more than just that Americana tag. The four main musicians (the band are joined on this EP with drummer Evan Carson and James Softly on piano) are all excellent singers. The way their voices blend together, even on the more raucous songs, is but one indication that these musicians were born to make music together. There are so many UK bands making radio-friendly music of this type, adding their own unique dash of country, folk and even rock ‘n’ roll into the mix and for the most part they are all know how to carry a tune, but when these guys and girl put their voices together something magical happens. The quality of the songwriting also goes some way to make this band stand out from the crowd. It appears that all five songs featured here are written by the band, that each member had a hand in the development of each song and that also shows, for although certain group members might just have the edge over others in the vocal department (for all the heartbreaking harmonies that make the song ‘Porcelain’ so special, Sarah Holburn’s lead vocals in particular are so emotive she will move even the hardest of hearts), just what a tight unit this band is. It’s obvious that here is a band working together, egos were left at the door, each member is giving their all as an essential part of the team which creates this wonderful, uplifting sound. The impression taken from this set of songs is that Carousel would kick up a storm live and credit for at least part of this must go to producer/arranger Peter Waterman. This magazine has long admired Waterman’s work and he doesn’t disappoint here; he’s managed to capture all sides to the band over these five songs; even on the more energetic cuts where the band let loose there’s still this warm, organic sound that surrounds Waterman’s best productions. So, with such an accomplished bunch of singers, a set of finely-tuned and well-written songs which display all aspects of the band and a young producer who understands them totally, this debut could hardly fail. And that’s without mentioning that each band member is a pretty damn good musician as well going by the performances on this EP. The opening song, the energetic ‘Show’, instantly shows why Carousel has attracted the Americana tag but there’s so much passion in those vocals and the song is so catchy it’s irresistible; the vocals are outstanding, so much so that those flourishes of fiddle and other nuances don’t really register initially. That remarkable vocal performance is all the listener can focus on for the initial plays. ‘Show’ truly is a song that reveals more with each listen. ‘Dead Horse’, again blessed with a killer chorus, finds the band introducing a edgier sound into their music, a touch of blues is evident and the way the fiddle is used in this tougher setting is another indication that the band and producer are not afraid to take risks and push their sound into new territory. The aforementioned ‘Porcelain’, coming at the halfway mark on the EP, is perfection. After two more upbeat songs this ballad really makes its mark. The group vocals are just superb, but mandolin player Sarah Holburn’s lead vocals really do take your breath away. It is another perfect performance that leaves the listener drained. ‘Throw Me to the Wolves’ follows and the band return to the rockier sound of the opening songs; it’s not such a catchy song as those which have gone before and again the vocals can’t be faulted. Guitarist Thomas Eatherton’s searing lead and Chris Hobart’s pounding bass are captured perfectly by Waterman and surely this song, more than any other on this EP, must be a crowd pleaser at any Carousel gig. Coming straight after ‘Porcelain’ it is something of a shock and, although it’s a minor criticism, the flow of the EP might have been a little better if the closing song ‘Comfortable Skin’ had been placed between ‘Porcelain’ and ‘Throw Me to the Wolves’. As it is the closing song is an acoustic ballad, which although featuring some of the best harmonies on the EP, really is a showcase for Eatherton’s heartfelt lead vocals. It’s the singer’s most emotive performance here, but it has to be said that when his band mates join in the result is breathtaking. It would appear that Carousel have it all: the ability to write songs that hit home on the first listen but which also sound fresh after numerous plays, not only four first class musicians (Toby Shaer’s fiddle is an essential part of the sound that is used subtly but effectively on some of the songs) but four exceptional singers. Couple that with a producer who understands where the band are coming from and where they want to go and you’ve got an EP which leaves you begging for a full album.
Track Listing:-
1 Show2 Dead Horse
3 Porcelain
4 Throw Me To The Wolves
5 Comfortable Skin
Band Links:-
https://www.carouseluk.com/https://www.facebook.com/CarouselUK/
https://twitter.com/carouselbanduk
http://www.instagram.com/carousel_band_uk
reviews |
My Father's Son (2018) |
Southend’s Carousel follow their recent EP with a digital release displaying the grittier side to their music |
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