Ask Carol‘s AC II: Desert Sky captures the duo’s signature blend of dreamy folk-rock and atmospheric, cinematic twists/turns. Hailing from Norway’s remote mountains, they craft expansive soundscapes often propelled by soaring vocals, dynamic guitars, and hypnotic rhythms. The album reflects years of creative reinvention, balancing introspective calm with rousing, anthemic drive.
The project’s knack for riveting, atmospheric structural expanses is present right away on “Desert,” opening the album with cinematic flair. “Desert skies, as far as I can see,” a dreamy vocal allure lets out, preceded by a consuming build that ventures from subdued acoustics into a Morricone-esque spaghetti-western texture. The alternations between ghostly folk introspections and more rousing ascents make for a riveting listen throughout.
That captivation continues into subsequent track “Wind In My Hair,” where aspiring, confident lyrical power to “go far” mixes with a free-spirited vigor as lush pulses build into a rousing, anthemic final minute with soaring vocal invigoration. AC II: Desert Sky doesn’t let up from there. Another standout comes in the track “Ohio,” where a haunting folk-rock cohesion moves from steady twangs into a beautifully flowing guitar twanging. From the subdued folk intrigue of “Seasons” to grooving finale “Moo Moo,” the album never lets up in its savvy songwriting and stylish flair.
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We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
