Search - Carbon Leaf :: Indian Summer

Another great one from Carbon Leaf

Eric Koldinger | Portland, OR USA | 07/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While not quite as universally strong as their previous album, "Echo Echo" (Download it free from Amazon, you'll like it enough to want to buy it), "Indian Summer" is another extremely strong album from these guys from Virginia. The first few songs on this album, "Life Less Ordinary", and "What about Everything", along with others "Grey Sky Eyes" and "Let Your Troubles Go By" are winners that truly deserve to get the radio airplay to rise above the usual drivel you hear on radio today.Carbon Leaf is one of the few bands I've heard in the last few years that truly has a new and unique sound. Combining great musicians (the guitar player is phenomenal to watch in concert, at no point do his fingers leave his hands), interesting sets of instruments, and a variety of influences (Celtic, Bluegrass, Country and good old fashioned rock-n-roll), they create a depth and richness of sound that few groups are able to get near.This album, along with the others in their catalog, has literally been in my player non-stop recently. Check them out. Download their free albums, buy the others. Check out their websites. You won't be sorry."

Mid-'90s art rock from 2004.

The Wickerman | Austin, TX | 01/22/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In today's popular music scene, what's old is new. With the rise of bands like the Strokes, the White Stripes, the Killers, Interpol, and many others, going with a "retro" sound is a ticket to success. Perhaps this is the thing to which Carbon Leaf can best attribute their recent success, their sound recalling the arty alternative "college rock" sound of the mid-`90s.



However, if this hard-working Richmond, Virginia-based band sounds like a blast from the past, it's because they actually are from the past. After ten years of independent releases and an endless struggle for success, Carbon Leaf have finally made their long-sought-after breakthrough with their major-label debut "Indian Summer".



This album is full of catchy, well-written tunes that will make you nostalgic for the '90s. "Life Less Ordinary", the lead single that the band recently performed on the "Dr. Phil" show, is an upbeat melodic rocker that is sure to stick in your head. "When I'm Alone" and "Grey Sky Eyes" showcase the softer, moodier side of the band with anguished acoustic melodies; "Paloma" is a bit more eclectic, with an odd but infectious bassline, and touches of Celtic and tribal music that bring Rusted Root to mind. "One Prairie Outpost" is another acoustic track, this time with a more up-tempo, slightly country-flavored melody. "What About Everything" is a bit more mid-tempo, with quirky lyrics and one of the best choruses of the album. The closing track, "The Sea", is an epic ballad, clocking in at over 7 minutes, bringing it all home in true alt-rock fashion.



The band does a fairly decent job of keeping their music interesting, with layered instrumentation, a good mix of acoustic and electric guitars, and influence from a wide variety of genres. Frontman Terry Clark is an accomplished singer and songwriter, with a very distinctive and appealing voice. However, the album does cross over into somewhat drab territory at times. "This Is My Song", while boasting a nice folky melody here and there, has a somewhat dry vocal delivery, making the song largely forgettable on the whole. "Raise the Roof" repeats vocal lines way too many times, and goes on for a bit too long, resulting in a tedious and tiresome listen.



But hey, when they're good, they're great. The album is full of catchy and creative melodies, even if they aren't present in every single song. "Indian Summer" is not a world-changing masterpiece, but for those who miss the glory days of artists like Dave Matthews, Counting Crows, and the aforementioned Rusted Root, this album will bring back fond memories.



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Indian Summer is a breath of fresh air

Jeffrey Tveraas | Austin, Texas USA | 09/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Indian Summer by Carbon Leaf is one of the most refreshing and enjoyable albums I've come across in recent years. Much of what passes for popular music these days doesn't do much for me but these folks obviously love what they're doing and are making the most of their opportunity to make a name for themselves and rise above the current breed of "stare at their shoes and moan" bands. Excellent musicianship combined with catchy arrangements and interesting lyrics make for an extra fine album. Dare I say...intelligent acoustic poprock music? Yes - I only wish it was available in SACD or DVD-A format."