A Somerset Parade – Carcosa
A Somerset Parade – Carcosa
Wormhole Death
Release Date: 16/02/2024
Running Time: 50:00
Review by Metalphysicist
8/10
The Brisbane/Australia based band A Somerset Parade, that has been around since 2015, releases their second full-length album, “Carcosa” on 16th of February, inspired by a collection of Tales taken from the cult book “The King Yellow”, written by Robert W. Chambers, in the XIX century.
I wouldn’t say that we have a concept album here. I am afraid that the songs on “Carcosa” are more like a soundtrack to homage to the aforementioned cult book “The King Yellow”. The Cinematic-Electronic Pop Rock approach of the songs on “Carcosa” as a whole, helps a lot to reinforce my first impression on the record.
First, I must confess that there are so many references to several musical styles in a single song on “Carcosa”, that it was impossible for me to establish A Sommerset Parade’s sound in a musical genre in particular. That excess of creativity could be good news, but I think that all the sound explosions all the time sounds like A Sommerset Parade failed in trying to tighten up the musical references.
That being said, the fact is that are some good momentum on songs like ‘Beyond the Ropes’, ‘Pale Fire’ and ‘Damocles’ when the band highlights its radio friendly approach, reminding me of Nu-Metal refreshed with contemporary attractive electronic ambience – but I wouldn’t say that what the bands performs is Industrial Rock, properly. As I said before, they lead soundscapes taking advantage of some Industrial interventions as well as synth waves and 80’s vibes to the mixture.
“Carcosa” is an interesting album to listen to and try to find some balance between all musical references in a sole and still deformed freak musical genre.
TRACKLISTING
01. Black Stars in Black Skies
02. Invader Summer
03. Alpha
04. Sometimes Death is Better
05. Beyond The Ropes
06. Mirror White
07. Morning Star
08. Twin Suns/Twin Moons
09. Godkiller
10. Midian
11. Pale Fire
12. Blood Calls For Blood
13. Damocles
LINE–UP
Dan Cornish – lead vocals
Andrew Nolan – guitar
Brad James – bass/vocals
Mitch Mathesoni – guitar
Kurt Winter – drums
LINKS:
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