Underrated AF: Unity by Carousel Kings
Written By Andy Katz
Welcome back to Underrated AF! This week we are going to do a deep dive into one of the most cohesive, comprehensive, and dynamic pop-punk / easycore records that came out in the scene that was severely overlooked. “Unity” by Carousel Kings is one of the best albums that came out in the 2010’s. This record fires on all cylinders, including its production, bouncy grooves, and hooks, and it’s general vibe reminiscent of the golden era of the genre. Don’t get me wrong, this record was noticed and brought this band some well-deserved recognition. However, it seems forgotten about in recent years. I don’t see many people talking about it, and I think they still should be, especially in the easycore circles that worship this heavier side to pop-punk.
The first four tracks on this record are absolute gold, like 10/10 perfect. “Headphones” is one of my all-time favorite pop-punk anthems, due to the massive hook found in every chorus of this track. “I’ve been sleeping with my headphones / A thousand miles left to go,” is so immensely catchy that I’ve been listening to this song pretty much on repeat for the past five years. Between the lyrics and upbeat grooves that just simmer into every corner of this jam, I get so nostalgic when bumping this in my car on that perfect summer day. I know I am speaking such high praises of this song, but I think it encapsulates what the genre has been trying to do since its inception. That feeling of longing for home, or the idea of a home, is what so many bands of this genre tried and still try to execute. Carousel Kings executed this perfectly on this song. I honestly can’t think of one flaw. The production is perfect, and sonically it just hits the target right on the bull’s-eye.
“Stuck” and “Cycles” are both indicative of how well this record shaped up to be by the time you got to the end of it. These songs are also damn near perfect in terms of writing, and the glorified hooks are just so authentic and executed quite brilliantly. Just listen to the verses of “Stuck,” and you will garner an understanding of why I love this record. The energy that they captured is insatiable. The vibes are so positive and uplifting, that you really can’t listen to this if you’re in any other mood other than jubilant and grinning from ear to ear. The song is about lost love or a relationship that didn’t pan out quite as well as you hoped, and I can’t think of one person that can’t relate to that message. Sure, the message is generic, but this song is so well written in terms of musicality and beaming vocal melodies, you just have to give it your full attention upon every listen.
“Cycles” delivers that same energy but with an even more complex arrangement regarding the drum work. Between the lightning-fast tom work and the accenting bell on the ride during the pre-choruses, it displays how well this band can play their instruments. Once again the vocal hook is enormous, and also, the lead guitar complements those melodies very subtly, but enough to give it the texture it needs to stand out amongst the rest of the record. The breakdown towards the end of the song is easycore perfection. The under layers of harsh vocals give it that push to make it a little heavier at just the right moment.
The intro to “Free” showcases the easycore love from this band. Between both the pre-chorus and chorus, Carousel Kings deliver another juggernaut of a hook. The latter part of the bridge is also so good. The contrasting vocal melodies just continue to bring out that catchiness that is just all over this record.
“Mistakes” finds the band going in a heavier direction. There is more of a hardcore punk influence present. This song also has my favorite pre-chorus on the record. The simple guitar lead is just textured so well. It helps the track climb and transition into the chorus very seamlessly.
The easycore love is turned up on “Chainsaw.” The breakdown in the middle of the song takes over this track. There are dozens and dozens of easycore bands that can’t execute this without sounding disingenuous or just like a carbon copy of every other easycore band that preceded them. That is why I hold this record in such high regard. Nothing feels forced or inauthentic. There is such a controlled and chaotic energy that is molded in every track, and with this one, in particular, it’s done tastefully. The chorus of “Silence” is another example of that. There is a Set Your Goals vibe that is super apparent, and I love it. The sharp lead cuts through the mix and gives it the extra bump to make it rock solid.
As with the start of this record, the last three tracks on this record are also pure perfection. The chorus on “Cancer” showcases some melancholic lyricism. This song seems super personal to the band, and I can feel it. The verses are fascinating in terms of timing—there is quite a long delay between the bars of the rhythm guitar. The drums carry this song, making it feel strained, like the band is longing for a message to be told excellently in this manner. The song ends with a message of hope about living in the soul and heart of a loved one. The breakdown reflects that, and I think it hits the point home on an even more dramatic scale.
Both “Light” and “Hope” pick up and leave the record ending on a perfect note. The chorus lead and rhythm progression in “Light” is so addicting and refined. Like holy shit, I get goosebumps every time I hear it. The ending of this song matches that same energy.
“Hope” is accompanied by a music video. It’s nothing too special, but the music makes up for it. It’s another explosive anthem in the Carousel King catalog. The powerful vocal push at the end of the song that overlays an intense breakdown encompasses the sound and vibe of this album.
To sum it all up, I believe this is the perfect mixture of pop-punk and easycore. My rating is a 9.5/10 and it still stands as one of the best records that the scene sort of leaves out. Although easycore was on a steep decline in 2015, this record was a reflection of how that genre could have kept marching on through time, and in the scene. This record took the easycore and pop-punk formula and combined them in the best way possible. I don’t think any band did it as well as Carousel Kings did here with “Unity.”