The latest single from London-based band Carousel, “5 Beers,” highlights the raw intensity and relevant issues defining their alternative rock sound. Framed inside a catchy, forceful musical framework, the song, scheduled for release on September 18, 2024, explores weekday pleasure and its effects. The song commences with an energizing, stronger riff-driven rhythm part. The emotional highs of a drunken realization are reflected in the song arrangement.
Comparatively, Carousel‘s approach seems to be a blend between the current indie mood of bands like Fontaines D.C. and Led Zeppelin’s strong instrumental work. Though with a grittier, DIY approach that helps the band match modern artists like King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, there are obvious aspects of 1970s rock. Jimi Hendrix influenced the guitar work, especially in the solos and distorted tones that provide the song with a psychedelic edge.
Punchy rhythms, a strong bassline, gritty guitar riffs, and emotive vocals form “5 Beers’ instrumental backbone.” Though do-it-yourself, the production is sophisticated enough to catch the band’s raw, live power. While Charlie Hood’s bass gives the song a deep, resonant groove, Liam Burtenshaw’s drumming is especially remarkable for its consistent, pulsing rhythm, which drives the song ahead.
Inspired by Hendrix’s trademark approach, Samuel Slater’s guitar playing is dynamic, alternate between rhythmically crisp riffs and more expressive, bluesy leads. The track’s general rawness is enhanced by the thick, distortion-filled tone, which also helps to explain. One remarkable feature is Paul Thornton’s singing. His performance matches the literary concept of realizing the results of overindulgence by carrying the ideal mix of swagger and frustration. While still honoring classic rock inspirations, Thornton’s vocals give the song an indie rock touch and ground it in the alternative scene.
Having been recorded across several London sites, “5 Beers” is renowned for its DIY attitude. Still, the mix strikes a good balance that preserves clarity while capturing band excitement. Recorded at Sam Slater’s flat, the drums have a clear, energetic quality that lays a firm basis for the other instruments. Ben Bave’s mixing and mastering are outstanding since they guarantee that the vocals sit clearly in the mix and successfully accentuate the rough textures of the guitars.
One fascinating aspect of the production is the incorporation of sound snippets from voice notes captured by the band under drunkenness. This gives the song’s subject account of late-night drinking sessions a real authenticity, therefore boosting the general attitude of carefree recklessness.
Having strong roots in classic rock, blues, and modern indie, “5 Beers” is exactly in the alternative rock category. Characteristics of the alternative rock movement, the song’s driving intensity, distorted guitars, and vocal delivery inspire revolt and urgency.
Lyrically, the song revolves around the relevant issue of weekday drinking and the knowledge that the next morning may present challenges. Inspired by a drunken realization, the song conveys this exactly with its simplicity and catchiness. Many may relate to this song, particularly those who have gone through the regret of early work the next day and had “one too many” beers on a night out.
The song is a unique release in the alternative rock genre because of its raw intensity and approachable lyrical language. “5 Beers” is a song that will fit listeners of high-energy, guitar-driven rock with a relevant, real-life narrative. The band’s do-it-yourself attitude to production simply accentuates the appeal and gives the song a real, unvarnished vibe that increases its impactfulness.