Labels: Goldstock Records
Review by: Andy Malcolm
Ah, the new one from the Carpenters. Must admit I thought she popped her clogs long ago. Certainly didn’t expect this change of direction.
Well, I am simply not going to be able to keep that pointless line of reviewing up, so I’ve ditched it. Carpenter are Canadian dudes playing a fine line of tight and rocking post-hardcore. We used to call this emo rock. This is all about sweet melodies and thumping rock songs, driven by strong vocals and a well drilled unit of musicians. The only place it falls down is that occasionally my attention starts to wander as the songs get a bit samey. Up until that point, this album hits that rarely troubled sweet spot which this genre is so adept at, a style previously perpetuated by the likes of Samiam and Texas is the Reason. And Springsteen. Meanwhile, “Joan” sounds exactly like Jimmy Eat World.
Cripes, it even says this is ex-By a Thread, now there’s a name I haven’t heard in a long time. A long time. Carpenter are making sensitive rock music with a big heart and even bigger songs. There are occasionally even a few ‘mo hints in the music, hidden and dangerous. This certainly takes me back, and induces the smiles. “Sea to Sky” is all round goodness that I would not hestitate to recommend to anyone with a place in their soul for this kind of shit. I could drive to a Hot Water Music (transplanted from the 20th century) gig 200 miles away with Ian and Simon whilst listening to this on repeat. Nice one.