Review
Caroline 2 sees the eight-piece collective stretching its creative wings in ways as captivating as they are daring. The album is a declaration of unity—a sonic tapestry where intricate folk-inspired arrangements dance with touches of pop simplicity, all the while retaining the raw, emotional intimacy that defined their debut. Tracks such as “Coldplay Cover” and the collaborative “Tell Me I Never Knew That” are not mere experiments but masterclasses in measured spontaneity, weaving together contrasting musical currents with effortless grace. There's an unmistakable cinematic quality to the record, as each song feels like a carefully stitched vignette in a larger, ever-evolving narrative. Caroline’s penchant for subtle twists—be it the interplay of looping strings or the delicate interplay of layered vocals—invites the listener into a world that is as intellectually compelling as it is emotionally resonant. In an era rife with manufactured pop, Caroline 2 stands as a testament to the power of genuine collective expression, proving that sometimes, the beauty lies in the nuanced imperfections of creative unity.
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**Caroline 2** is the sophomore effort from London-based band Caroline, released on 30 May 2025 via Rough Trade Records. The album was largely recorded over an 18-month period at Big Jelly Studios in Ramsgate—a choice that lends the record its distinctly organic, coastal timbre. The record bears the unmistakable stamp of its creators: produced in-house by founding members Jasper Llewellyn, Casper Hughes, and Mike O'Malley, the production team also enlisted Syd Kemp as engineer, Jason Agel for mixing, and Heba Kadry for mastering in New York City. This collaborative approach not only underscores the band’s commitment to a hands-on creative process but also imbues the album with a warm, intimate quality that perfectly complements its exploratory, genre-blending sound.
Tracklisting
- Total euphoria
- Song two
- Tell me I never knew that
- When I get home
- U R UR ONLY ACHING
- Coldplay cover
- Two riders down
- Beautiful ending