CARSICK release their debut EP Drunk Hymns
CARSICK by Dev Place
It’s not unreasonable to say that a significant portion of the UK’s youth population enjoys a drink and the shenanigans that accompany it; the good, the bad and most definitely the ugly. Wiltshire Alt-punk outfit CARSICK’s new EP, Drunk Hymns, brings four new tunes differentiating in style but all aligning with the theme of the title. Each track covers its own individual scenario of an intoxicated conquest and the emotions accompanying them.
Opening track ‘Anaconda Frank’ is a punchy, punky start with a comedic voicemail intro, setting the scene of a tipsy gang of friends trying to find each other at a festival – embarrassingly relatable. Infectious guitar riffs with bouncy, beating drums and a simple but memorable chorus. On the surface, a fun, rowdy and mosh-worthy time. The content of the lyrics, however, paint this rather disturbing picture of a sweet hedonistic lifestyle turned sour. Comments on missing bill payments, sleeping through shifts and peer pressured violence, all while coping with a hangover, feel all too familiar of that one friend we knew who never found the balance of work hard, play hard.
‘Nothing To Do’ follows on, turning the previous topic on its head, and implying that overindulgence in substance is the only solace from the combination of the cost-of-living crisis and understimulating small-town life. The hook line, “How you meant to have fun in a place like this? You’re taking the ****!” sums it up rather well.
The standout for this track is easily the vocal style, very reminiscent of Mike Skinner of The Streets, using rhythmically spoken colloquial language (rather than singing or rapping) about ethanol escapades and money troubles.
The remaining two tracks pull away from the alcoholic antics and “we-live-in-a-society” frustrations, directing our attention to romance and love (or lack of it) among youth. These tracks take a more relaxed indie approach sonically; a suitable contrast to the earlier punk fuelled tracks.
‘Runner’ tells of the anxiety we feel in early stages of forming a relationship and the stomach plummet that hits when it all begins to fall through. And turning to booze to numb it. Whilst an interesting subject, musically it is probably the least engaging song and doesn’t bring much to distinguish itself.
The finale, ‘Heartbreak at The Anchor & Hope’ is a tragic and beautiful closer, with dreamy jazzy ambience and a painfully recognisable tale of watching someone you care about being mistreated by their partner – perhaps hinting at alcohol-fuelled domestic violence. Though refreshingly different to any other track on the EP, I couldn’t help strongly hearing ‘Only Ones Who Know’ by Arctic Monkeys within it.
Overall, this EP has a good serving of new tracks for the modern alternative music scene, sticking well to its theme and covering valid topics related to it. Experimentation is evident here, but needs some refinement. I hope this can be the start of CARSICK taking their noticeable influences and putting a bit more of their own spin on it in their next work. Supported by their recent signing to Alcopop! Records, we see promising signs ahead.
