“I’ll have no last regrets, you’ve no idea what’s coming.”
Dropping their debut record in the form of EP Pressure Points led to ANIIMALIA’s eyebrow raising singing to Marshall Records. Their progressive blend of alternative rock sounds made for an impressive outing, and has since seem them play alongside the likes of Forlorn, Split Chain and Delaire The Liar. Now being a good 18 months since the release of the aforementioned EP, ANIIMALIA now follow it up with sophomore EP, Carousel. It’s a record that sees them further cement their established sound, yet does perhaps question if there could have been more here.
Opener “Who’s Gonna Stop Me” has an explosive twang to it, full of juicy riffs that see Kira Beckett’s vocals command the track through every moment. Kieran Boobyer fires away with further forceful riffs, creating a track that is fully in-your-face. The run time of just over two and a half minutes that doesn’t overstay its welcome. Plucky production pays dividends across Carousel as “Hurt Me Back” goes on to exert its powerful strums.
The next track, “Puppeteer”, delves into more progressive rhythms, adding further interest and pace variation. For the closer, “Doom”, ANIIMALIA put together a decent track but there is a lack of spark or any moment that would see it become a memorable closer. It might simply be down the hooks or something wider, yet it does feel Carousel opens with more force than it does closes.
Stepping off this Carousel, there is a sense that maybe there should have been more to enjoy – perhaps a more extended EP even a full-length that would allow ANIIMALIA to flex their songwriting ability and show off more sides to the band. The four songs carry commendably precise production, so perhaps they have focused on the tracks they felt would be most impactful. And as impressive as some of them are, it’s difficult not feel slightly short-changed by Carousel, given the platform and time that ANIIMALIA have had.
6/10
Carousel is out April 4th via Marshall Records and can be pre-ordered here.