Thanks to Carl Westholm for an advance review copy of the latest project, evoking fond memories of classic CARPTREE music of the past. Keyboardist/ bassist Carl leads a band with two lead vocalists Öivin Tronstad and Cia Blackman, with Ulf Edelönn on guitars and Lars Sköld on drums. The first three tracks alone confirm that the spirit of Carl’s previous musical endeavours is well and truly alive; album opener ‘The Coolest Place on Earth’ will have a broad appeal to those who like prog rock mixed in with elements of electronic music and art rock; ‘Remember Who You Are’ and its accompanying You Tube video reiterate Carl and company’s care for the environment and mastery of synthesised sound; ‘Two Living Things’ reveals an ominous, dark edge to music that was ever present in Carptree (See the band’s entries elsewhere on this website) with strong vocal deliveries and refined arrangements. The questing ‘end of the world’ title track has a filmic quality and a memorable chorus. Crunching guitars fittingly introduce ‘My Punishment’ and reiterates concerns about every living thing on Earth. ‘This World Belongs to Me’ by contrast is a quieter, contemplative piece with layered vocals and wistful synth. The haunting closer ‘Death without Angels’ builds slowly before the revelation about being “trapped in a dark, cold place, I’m drowning”, a powerful, repetitive chorus. The music is instantly recognisable stylistically and designed to tackle big issues head on, make you think, and to wonder.
top of page
bottom of page
Comments