SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THE CARNABYS – TOO MUCH, NEVER ENOUGH

The Carnabys
Too Much, Never Enough
Four Horsemen Records

Nearly two years after the release of its debut album, this next offering from Richmond band The Carnabys certainly doesn’t disappoint. With infectious vigour and energy, this five-piece ensemble crafts a sound unequivocally reminiscent of the likes of Arctic Monkeys and The Fratellis, to name but two, and it would be fair to venture that it represents the pioneering next generation of Indie Pop/Rock.

Jack Mercer, the band’s crowd-rousing frontman and lyricist, commands attention with his original vocal sound and his refreshingly articulate accent – every bit as distinctive as a young Brandon Flowers or Alex Turner! He has just the right amount of attitude to excite without being arrogant or boorish, and throughout the album demonstrates an impressive range.

Pleasing harmonies, quirky variations in tempo, competent instrumental accompaniments and effective production maintain interest, whilst hints of the band’s influences only serve to delight.

Belting Fratellian drums and hints of early Sunshine Underground can be detected in tracks like the attention-seeking “Great Dane In The Grave Yard,” whilst others such as “Frayed Feather,” which matter-of-factly references the mistakes of youth, buzz with echoes of Razorlight at its best. The band offers homage to Arctic Monkeys and The Kooks with its well-penned stories in tracks like “Scars and Safety Pins” (my personal favourite) and “Elizabeth.” It is worth mentioning that the boys have released a cheeky tease of a video to accompany this latter track, which can be viewed below.

For all its influences, The Carnabys has crafted this album to offer a unique, more evolved sound, which showcases its considerable talent– and it works!  Definitely one not to be missed!

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