Album Review: Carinae release self-titled record

A sampled dialogue of a voice declaring, ‘I want you to know the power of the underground,’ begins ‘Blue House,’ the final track from Carinae’s self-titled record. This phrase concisely summarizes the band’s mission. For years they’ve been touring relentlessly, building up something of a devoted cult following along the way. Evidently, Carinae is one of the hardest working bands right now. However, up to this point, they didn’t have satisfactory recordings to prove it. Finally, they’ve delivered fans an album that provides a piece of their transcendental live show on-the-go. On Carinae, we are treated to eight hallucinatory slabs of psychedelic-rock perfection.

First, there was ‘Making Breakfast,’ a tasty tune that blends the band's signature experimentation with pop melody perfection. Accompanied by a surreal music video, filmed in the band’s homes in Hadley, Massachusetts, we were given a glimpse into the wonderful world of Carinae.

Then they dropped their seven-minute opus of a single, ‘Eta/Someday.’ Featuring blazing guitars from Calvin Parent and Gage Lyons, trippy sound effects via Peter McQuillan, the track is complete with an irrepressibly uniting riff.

Across the album, Carinae weave in and out of strange sonic realms, pulling catchy melodies out of thin air. Also worth noting are the grooves on this record. Armed with an airtight rhythm section of Gabe Camarano on drums and Nina Kent on bass, they keep your head bobbing from start to finish. Then there’s the surrealist lyrics, primarily sung by Kasey Green, who's also on the keys. All of these elements seamlessly come together to form one of the most refreshing records of the year.

Beyond the music, Carinae stands out because of their adherence to their philosophy.  After four years of being on the road, they’ve accrued the funds to press the record to vinyl themselves, a true testament to DIY. It’s absolutely admirable, and they just might prove to us just how far the hard work and loyalty to fans can take a band. We knew they had the chops, but Carinae shows us they’re ready to conquer the world. Simply put, Carinae epitomizes the power of the underground.

Out Now.