On its debut album, Carbon Choir shows off an undeniable mastery of the piano-and-falsetto, sensitive-guy rock form. The playing is skilled and the songwriting solid, even nuanced. Singer Joel Van Horne has a strong voice that falls somewhere between Thom Yorke and Chris Martin, with a touch of David Gray thrown in. Yet for all these positives, the album falls flat. The problem is, we're awash in a sea of this ColdFray vibe; from very special episodes of Grey's Anatomy to jewelry commercials, it's inescapable. And that's not even including most of the radio, every third arena-rock show and your mom and little sister's iPods. With such a pedestrian sound, Carbon Choir needs more than solid tunes to make an impression; it needs a miracle, and none are forthcoming.
What does it take to review albums for Westword? The inability to write a review, the refusal to actually listen to the album, and the audacity to still write it. The album review by Cory Casciato of Carbon Choir is one of the most offensive things I have read. I can only gather that since this review, which was more of a personal attack than a critique, was allowed to be published it directly reflects the views of Westword. Not only was Carbon Choir ripped into, so were several other bands as well as all mothers and daughters. Women who, according to Cory Casciato, not only have terrible music taste, but can only get their music from television shows and commercials. I will say this - thanks to Mr. Casciato I will save time by never opening another Westword.
Evan 12/12/2009 7:32:00 PM
This review is obviously by a writer who hates and is clueless about the style of music he's reviewing. His distaste for the genre is palpable, but why he's decided to take his frustration out on one of the most promising local acts I've heard in years is beyond me. For me to put any weight into a Westword music review again will take more than pop-culture bashing disguised as music criticism, it will take a miracle.
-E
Jesse 12/10/2009 4:42:00 AM
I must ask, has Cory Casciato written many reviews? Because this one falls flat. He tries to pander to serious music lovers by pointing out some glaring strengths of Carbon Choir's recent release "High Beams", and then proceeds to try to sound informed and savvy while bashing the album from about 10 miles above the surface... (one mile for each ridiculous, feeble claim). Was this guy even at the show? He probably gave the disc a half a spin and went out to drink cheap pabst at the local slophouse...(not that there's anything wrong with that). I have one piece of advice for our little novice...as a starting point, take some cues from fellow Westword review writer Tom Murphy (he reviewed the band a year ago), at this link:
http://www.westword.com/2008-12-04/music/carbon-choir-at-larimer-lounge&page=20
...and take instruction on how to sound like you know what the fuck you're talking about. Murphy hits it dead-on with his write up of beloved locals CC, and seems to directly address chumps like Cory with this..."those who dismiss this act as just another Radiohead-influenced atmospheric indie band with piano should give it more than a cursory listen." There you have it Mr. Casciato...next time do your homework before you write off serious players in Denver's thriving and able music scene.
Peace (even though you don't deserve it)
Jesse
Denver
