Carbon Red is five musicians who have come together from different parts of the US to form this band. The chemistry is apparent right from the get-go when you hit play on their latest album The Tree. All the members are vocalists and they each lend their chops to this record. The sound itself feels very classic rock with modern touches. 

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The Tree gets going with “Life Of A Pirate,” where some wailing guitars come through for a piercing sound. Eventually, some drums enter for a searing vibe. The female lead vocalist sings with feeling on this track about a pirate. There’s a classic rock vibe to this song that reminded me of rock n’ roll from the ‘60s and ‘70s. The shimmering detail of the guitars clinches this. In a way, this reminded me of Peter, Paul and Mary. Some more guitars arrive at the start of “Remember The Times.” Gradually, some beats enter as well. Next, the female lead vocals arrive for a moving approach. There was tons of mood and feeling to this song as the lead vocalist belts out the lyrics with gusto. The band turns it up a notch with the revved “Enki.” The energized keys sounded great here. The male lead vocals arrive for tons of atmosphere. He reminded me a lot of Ozzy Osbourne. 

Some melodious finger-picking on the acoustic guitar enters the sounds on “I’ll Stand Again.” Next, an electric guitar solo arrives for a soaring sound. Some male vocals enter the sounds for a gritty and sandpapery vibe. I was reminded of Dylan here. I just loved how emotionally powerful his performance was which proved to be a great listening experience. Some keys and a wall of dramatic guitars come in alongside some bongos on “Fire No More.” The sound was exciting and invigorating. The vibes here proved to be heavier. I was instantly getting metal vibes from the female vocals. It made for an adamant sound. Some moody guitars enter the sounds on “Find My Way.” Next, the sound opens up to some synthetic strings and more. The female lead vocalist sings with feeling here. This felt like in the ballad vein as the vocals take flight for a searing sound. 

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On “The Tree,” a pleasing tune on keys comes through. I liked how melodious it sounded. Next, some percussion enters for a livelier feel. Soon, the combined vocal harmonies arrive. The sound was very moving. On “Chasing The Shade,” wall-to-wall guitars arrive. Next, some harmonica reels listeners in for a revved vibe. After that, the gritty vocals come into the equation. The vocalist really takes command for a moving performance. Some keys tickle at the start of “Time Roll On (Present Time).” The melody was moody and melancholy. Next, some howling guitars arrive for a hard rock vibe. The female vocals add to a more dynamic sound as she struts her stuff on this closer.

The band makes the sort of music that you’ll probably hear when you crank up the oldies station. A lot of it I could tell was inspired by music from the ‘60s and ‘70s and the band definitely wears their influences on their sleeves. Even though that was true, I also couldn’t help but notice that the band also added their own embellishments and touches to the overall sound, making it their very own. All in all, the band does a good job here and I look forward to seeing more from them soon.

Garth Thomas