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Carousel – Carousel EP review

Credit: Carousel

Carousel’s debut EP delivers a punchy, energetic sound that provides ample opportunity for each of its four members to shine.

Released September 22nd, the group of friends, who formed the band in 2015, hail from the coastal town of Southend-on-Sea.

After creating quite the following in these parts, they were approached by music producer, Peter Waterman to work on their debut release.

Their sound, which merges Americana, country, folk, rock’n’roll, blues and roots music, is captivating from the outset, with a sound that some may find reminiscent of Mumford & Sons.

The band features multi-talented, multi-instrumentalists, Thomas Eatherton (vocals, electric guitar), Chris Hobart (vocals, acoustic guitar, bass), Sarah Holburn (vocals, mandolin, harmonium) and Toby Shaer (fiddle, cittern, vocals).

Throughout the EP, perhaps the best part is that each member of the group is given the chance to really stand out. There are no egos involved, but rather an inclusive element that pays off when they launch into one of their powerful harmony sets.

This is detailed perfectly on opening track, Show, a song that explores rousing country and folk influences and includes vocal and instrumental solos from each musician.

A rock’n’roll edge is employed for the following number, Dead Horse, which listeners will find immediately catchy and want to sing-a-long to its southern hook.

The band, which all started out as solo musicians before meeting on the gig circuit, is passionate about supporting our music venues and street-level performances around the UK.

They aim to remove the barrier between artist and audience, and be warned, if you’re ever at a live gig, you’ll be expected to join in!

The EP is a tidy compilation, knitting together just the right blend of upbeat, danceable tracks, alongside more tender moments.

These are evident on Porcelain, a song which opens with Sarah’s delicate, vulnerable vocal and acoustic guitar. It soon climbs to powerful heights as her band mates pick up their instruments, too.

Throw Me To The Wolves follows this track as an energetic antidote. It’s full-bodied, and fast-paced sound is infectious.

But, they then return to a softer mood to close the EP, with the heart-breaking and heartfelt, Comfortable Skin.

This is where the full band revels in stunning harmony and showcases their impressive vocal range, both as individuals, and as a tight unit.

[brid video=”166993″ player=”531″ title=”Carousel Dead Horse (Live)”]

Track listing: 1. Show 2. Dead Horse 3. Porcelain 4. Throw me to the Wolves 5. Comfortable Skin Record label: Self-released Release date: 22nd Septmeber 2017

Megan Gnad
Megan Gnad
Megan Gnad worked as a reporter on daily newspapers before heading into the world of music journalism. Since moving from New Zealand to London in 2014, she began freelancing for UK and Australian publications, focusing mainly on country, roots and Americana genres. Time spent in Nashville has only increased her love and admiration for the music, and those working tirelessly and passionately to keep it alive and well.

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