| Atlanta's Carnivores have crafted an album that sets a new standard for
noise-pop bands around the city. The calm, cool and collected tones the band
mixes with its brand of spastic, chaotic and melodic clamor resonate to the top
of a scene populated by dime-a-dozen acts of the same genre. Infusing punk rock
spirits and ethics, with a feeling of nostalgic reverence, the band has produced
a fresh sound with infectious melodies and grooves.
The album opens with "For Griffin" - a Caribbean, calypso carousel song
disguised as a '50s slow dance - and transitions into the fuzzed-out, bass-laden
tribal dance of "Neon Bone Groove" that's a noisy convulsion of sound. The songs
build toward the middle of the record, when it peaks with an island-inspired
jam, "Heart of Copper," chock-full of catchy hooks that penetrate your brain.
Caitlin Lang's vocals on "Oregon Trail" range from sweet, hollered commands to
banshee shrieks, completely captivating your attention as the song builds and
explodes. "A Crime" begins the album's resolve, while bassist and vocalist
Philip Frobos showcases his best lyrical work as he vocally swoons and bellows
in reflective fervor.
Guitarist Nathaniel Higgins sprinkles and drives his guitar tones throughout
the record. He employs delay-infused guitar riffs on many of the songs and his
hard and jarring lines provide the proverbial icing on the cake on many of the
tracks. With driving bass lines, pounding drums and a bedlam of precise keyboard
parts, Carnivores have started 2010 with a 20-megaton detonation of sonic
intensity. (Double Phantom Records)
http://www.myspace.com/carnivoresatl
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