Caroline- self-titled album track by track review

Caroline are a band whose debut album has definitely felt like a long time coming. Formed almost a decade ago as a trio, they started off as a post-punk band. Yet by the time we've arrived at their debut, the band have amassed five more members and have signed to Rough Trade Records.

Now far more than their post-punk roots the band are carving out a unique space where they're blending folk music, jazz and plenty more styles. There aren't many other bands that can claim to sound like Caroline so we thought we'd dive into a track by track of their self-titled debut.

Dark Blue

An understated opener that warms up gently, the instrumentation builds as multiple elements begin to overlap. A mixture of progressive rock mixed with folk, it makes for an incredibly atmospheric blend. Dark Blue is a track that feels incredibly expressive and that's before it even reaches the lyrics. It's a track that rises and recedes like the gentle splashes of a tidal wave.

Good Morning (Red)

Immediately strings are coming at you on this song and it is straight into a beautifully delicate sway. The vocal melody sounds as though they are singing in a way as to not disturb someone from sleep before it is shattered by a backing layer of sudden howls. Yet the track never feels loud, it is entirely ornate with each element in perfect tandem.

Desperately

A short track that plays out like a sombre interlude with wonky unstable string playing that is deliberately imperfect, it's a blink and you'll miss it moment.

IWR

This album does not feel like a pointless exercise in random experimentation, it feels like a group of individuals weaving together something very deliberate together and so far it has been a joy to experience. This track feels as though it was performed in the hallow halls of a church with the harmonies sounding almost like a Sunday choir.

It interjects the serenity with wide strums of acoustic guitar, the slow weave of introducing different instruments as they go along never gets old, it is a delight to sit here unsure of the rest of the song's direction.

Messen #7

Another quick one that feels like an impromptu recording in the studio, capturing the unique and echoing acoustic guitar sound that sounds absolutely wonderful. A track so short and simple that leaves a mark is a truly rare occurance.

Engine (Eavesdropping)

It feels like the perfect album to end the week with, to recognise that it's been hectic and look forward to starting again after a needed break. These songs feel like perfect sundown companions and Engine (Eavesdropping) is no exception. The slowly repeated thuds in the background like the rotation of helicopter blades, the soaring orchestrals. It's a powerful song that relies on feeling over showmanship.

Hurtle

A short track that shows off their fantastic use of space to make their arrangements sound as if they're from a fantasy realm.

Skydiving onto the Library Roof

They somehow manage to make their guitars sound like gentle chimes here, it's one of the longest tracks on the album but time doesn't really seem to matter at this point. On this album, the band have crafted an entirely different world, one that feels alive yet so gentle.

Zilch

There are times on this track where it feels as though the band are playing in the same room as you, the way you can hear them shuffle around their instruments and the clarity with which you hear them playing. A mixture of different tempos, they continue to shake things up.

Natural Death

The longest track on the album is their grand end statement. As they sing on the more depressing subject of natural death due to exhaustion, the track feels eerie and foreboding with a nervous section of strings. The song breaks its own mould multiple times, breaking out in scattered frenzies of acoustics and slowly but surely raising the tempo to boiling point.

In summary, Caroline's debut album is a must-listen. It is essential listening for those who want their minds taken off of something, it is equally as relaxing as it is dramatic and it'll be the type of record where you pick up something new every time. That's what makes this amalgamation of styles so refreshing and such a special listen. It will endure within the minds of those who it reaches.

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