Two years after their well-received debut album, the Texas-based trauma ray are back with a short EP. But, spoiler warning, the album may be short, but it's not short of intensive sounds balanced by ethereal peace in some parts. These ever-changing, forward-thinking but also always extremely moody compositions are what we love the band's music.
Years and years ago I called their music "Somewhat shoegaze, somewhat post" and I can still agree with my former self. Their music is very guitar-heavy, I don't think there's place for any weirdness like samples or synths or electronic additions. No, it's rough guitar sounds and tangible textures everywhere. But this is contradicted with very modern-feeling compositions that make me think of Holy Fawn or Nothing, bands that are definitely more keen on experimenting with sounds. I love it.
The description of the album says that it's the band's "strongest, most intense, and exploratory work". It was created in the midst of an extremely busy period of time when the artists toured a lot with barely any time for developing the project further. In the middle of a real-life Carousel if you wish. But the compositions here don't feel rushed, in fact, if it wasn't for the length of the album, I'd say it's already material from the sophomore album. But for that, we have to wait.
Carnival costs 4.99 USD.
Check: Méliès
Country: Texas, US
Genre: heavy shoegaze
Label: Dais Records
