New music from Black Carl has always been a big deal. The release of The Chariot single (the first of four included in their Record Club project) further extends the band's streak of releasing quality, soul-tinged rock.
The defining characteristics on this single remain similar to those on previous releases. Emma Pew's voice burns down your speakers while the slinky bass lines (provided by Ian Woodward) offer oxygen to fuel her flames. John Krause and Chad Leonard are the band's spark on guitar and drums.
“Shine it Deep,” the opener, is a manifesto of sorts. Pew obviously understands what music means to people and how it can help them through the rough times in life. Over the band's always-tight rhythm section, she sings “I've got the voice/I can make you rattle/I am the gun that you take in to battle.”
The second half of this short release, “Silhouette of Evil,” is also about the hard times. But escape through drink and drugs trumps coping with music on this track. “Take the pill/forget all your sorrows/Take the shot/We'll see you tomorrow,” Pews sings. Perhaps tellingly, this song slows to a dead stop at its end. It's as if the escapee has found the horrifying side of chemical detachment and has run out of steam.
With three more releases due before year's end, Black Carl are going to be busting their asses. But, as evidenced by all of their music, they are always busting their asses, and to fantastic results.
