Review by John Colson



What on earth is a Carnypig?  That was the first question I had to ask when I received the new album from Carnypig: ‘The Cautionary Tale of the Carnypig’.

According to Paul Broome (otherwise known as Carnypig), it’s not what a Carnypig is that’s important, it’s all about what it represents - outsiders and loners within misunderstood, shunned communities...

It should be no surprise then that the album is predominately a collection of sombre songs which do seem to reflect feelings of isolation and solitude.  Mournful and introspective; mainly in terms of melody and tempo rather than lyrically, the songs are in places, simply exquisitely beautiful.  ‘What Did You Do to Me?’ being a perfect example.

This isn’t to say however that the songs are all down-tempo.  ‘Exile on Bash Street’ is a real upbeat tune that gives more than a tip of the hat to Pearl Jam and Kasabian.  ‘Key to the Midway’ is another example, which, whilst admittedly slightly slower, hasn’t failed yet to get me tapping my feet.

Trying to pigeonhole this record within a specific genre is not an easy task. There are hints of a fairly diverse selection of influences throughout including Eels, Depeche Mode, Pearl Jam, The Smiths and (as a special treat for me) Dreamtime-era Cult, but none are so heavily evident as to suggest a lack of originality.  This record stands on its own as an exceptional piece of work.

If I were to be in any way critical, I would say that the vocal performances on some of the songs don’t quite do the music justice, and at times sound a little ‘forced’.  Having said that though, there are moments where the vocals are pretty much perfect, including on the haunting ‘Dirtylittleghosts’ which I could (and have) listened to over and over again.

‘The Cautionary Tale of the Carnypig’ really is a record you have to ‘listen’ to… it’s not background music, nor is it a record that will (on the whole) energise you and get you out of your seat.  It’s an album that requires time to fully digest.  However, if you’re willing to give it the necessary time, you will be rewarded by a great musical experience from someone with very evident talent.

Stand out track: ‘Dirtylittleghosts’

Track Listing: Reel the Slack In / Vive la Bagatelle / What Did You Do to Me? / Top Hats and Petticoats / Carnypig’s Lament / Mirrorball of Truth / Key to the Midway / The Kitten Song / Sunsetting / Exile on Bash Street / …Gone Tomorrow / Glitterati / Dirtylittleghosts

Rating: 4 out of 5

Released by The Streetlight Farm (SLFCP01) on Monday May 31st 2010 (available via iTunes, Amazon, CDBaby etc).

http://www.myspace.com/carnypig
http://www.streetlightfarm.com