caroline 2
3 minute readPublished: Friday, May 30, 2025 at 4:02 am
Caroline 2: A Sonic Adventure in Constant Destabilization
Caroline's latest album, *caroline 2*, is a sonic journey that defies easy categorization. The album, bookended by the aptly titled "Total Euphoria" and "Beautiful Ending," plunges listeners into a world of shifting tempos, experimental soundscapes, and emotionally charged vocals. This isn't your typical listening experience; *caroline 2* thrives on destabilization, blending post-rock dynamics with processed acoustic instruments and Auto-Tuned vocals that capture the full spectrum of human emotion.
The band isn't afraid to employ the swells and strings often found in commercial media, but they subvert expectations. Tracks like "U R UR ONLY ACHING" transform a familiar emotional arc into something jagged and unexpected. Even a cover of Coldplay's "Fix You" is deconstructed, closing in a "delirious, woozy heap."
The album's structure is fluid, with a subtle pulse driving the music. The only clear 4/4 beat, found in "When I get home," is interrupted by vocal exercises and demo snippets, only to return later, amplifying the song's longing. The band draws inspiration from diverse sources, including Taio Cruz's "Dynamite" and club playlists, infusing their music with a spirit of technological experimentation. This is evident in tracks like "Tell me I never knew that," where Caroline Polachek's vocals are enhanced with harmonies, and a surprising boy-band rap cadence emerges.
In contrast to their earlier, more intimate "Pool Sessions," which offered solace during the pandemic, *caroline 2* expands the definition of community and connection. The album is a testament to the power of paying attention, suggesting that everyday experiences, from coastal walks to Zoom chats, can be equally profound.
BNN's Perspective: *caroline 2* is a challenging but rewarding listen. While the experimental nature might not appeal to everyone, the album's willingness to push boundaries and explore the complexities of human emotion is admirable. It's a reminder that music can be both a reflection of our experiences and an experience in itself.
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