Human Interest, the new EP by Orange County, CA heavy punk rockers CARSEX, has more to offer than the static norms of the last two decades, with world class songwriting and playing most punk rock artists never achieve. The adventurous approach kills two birds with one stone, starting with the appropriately titled “Sitting Ducks” and ending with the fallen dreams of “Stella” the rock star. It plays out almost like a stage show of songs and that makes for another unique point about it, with human interest being where the topics come in and the fun starts from the get-go.
The aforementioned “Sitting Ducks” is an artistic punk song if there ever were one, as it borders on skateboard thrash with metal undertones, but one thing it is not – is a pop song. It looks at the current culture and expectations of modern society and the drawbacks we’re having from not managing said expectations because of not being properly trained, and I’m not sure if it’s the best one to open with, however, it is one of the best songs on the EP either way. But the rest is gravy anyway, as these songs all compel something.
“Crooked Canvas” paints a picture of disdain for consumerism, as Nigel Burk has explained about the genesis of the song. He emotes bittersweetness on this well written song, which maintains their artistic side without tarnishing their edge. The same goes for “Beyond The Trees” which swings into grooviness and shows the range of the band’s musicianship so well. These two tracks are where the sweet spot lies on Human Interest, surrounded by five other great songs to hang their hat on, it’s just where the boiling point lies for me.
“Fuck This” makes the statement it insinuates, and then some, with a catchy song bearing an explicitly blunt title about wasting away. Even with its white-hot sentiment – the song is enjoyable and is a great mantra for those who are fed-up with societies constant, mind-numbing distractions. One of the true strengths of CARSEX is their willingness to get right to the heart of the mater – even if it’s done with the blade of a stiletto.
The fifth song, “Landmine”, which is an anthemic song describing something similar a bad acid experience (as described by Nigel Burk) catching up with your imagination, carried over from their song “Your Lesson” but going a step farther. The vocals are fantastic, and the music is cosmic, showcasing CARSEX at their best.
These well-crafted songs all have the brash and beauty of epic proportions – whether intending to or not – because punk can always be tricky that way. These are truly good pieces of music, as well as they are statements. “D.K.C.” is a serious and heartfelt track about the horror of school shootings, with some of the most intensity heard on Human Interest. It starts and ends on a high note, with the drama of life of shooting star “Stella” wrapping up this collection with a tasty scream at the end by Burk. Human Interest shows promise for these journeyman rockers, and we look forward to hearing more new music again soon.
Levi Colston
Rock Veterans CARSEX Show Promise With New “Human Interest” EP
