Debut albums are a funny thing. No
matter how many EPs, singles or demos come before them, a debut album is
something that can make or break a band. Aberdeen’s Carson Wells are set to
release their debut LP Wonderkid –
and I mean LP, it’s only being released on vinyl – sometime soon. They’re not
quite sure when. But before you go hassling those three friendly chaps for the
release date... is it any good?
You’re damn right it is.
A half hour of pure brilliance, Wonderkid bursts into action with Soul & Sword, all spiky guitars and
shouty vocals. Treading a fine line between emo and hardcore, but never really
setting a foot down on either side, Carson Wells’ sound is distinctive and engaging,
drawing the listener into their music. The opening track sets the scene for the
record to follow and boy, what a record.
The ensuing tracks are all great. Really,
really great. It seems pointless to write gushing descriptions of each one when
all that’s needed is to say that Slim
Charles, A Great Weight and Ten all perfectly showcase Carson Wells’
finely tuned sound. Wonderkid’s tight
production really shows on these opening tracks, far surpassing that of its self-titled
EP predecessor but never sounding overproduced in the slightest.
Killing
Me Won’t Bring Back Your Goddamn Honey provides an
intriguing mid-album quiet moment, eschewing the urgency of the preceding
tracks and lulling the listener into a false serenity before the tremendous 3 Months in Canada kicks your face in
with glee; the superb Don’t Forget the
Super-8 comes next, its title providing sound cinematic advice as well as
heralding a stunning track; and final duo 2007
and Home provide the perfect end to
the album.
And then it’s all over too soon, leaving
you wanting more as all the best albums do. And there’s nothing else to do but
lift the needle right back to the start...
Wonderkid by Carson Wells is out on vinyl in the next month or so.
For the time being, you can stream the album on Bandcamp.
ES
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