When it comes to the songs of “Human Interest”, the just released EP by CARSEX, “Sitting Ducks” gets things underway, with no holding back their L.A. punk routes and prowess in the process. It makes for a grand entrance and is a killer opener for the EP. Next up, “Crooked Canvas” is a fiery tale of how the blind lead the blind, and how much of the population are just “sheeple”. The album title leaves much room for interpretation through imagination, but it can also be summed up as a study of modern times, which takes a degree of sophistication usually not found in old or new punk. This is much more, as it crosses over from underground to mainstream hard rock avenues.
The energy throttles back to a more contemplative, mid-tempo grooved there with “Beyond The Trees”. CARSEX takes us on a trip through a slower tunnel to get there with this trippy song about a dream of a serial killer in the forest. I rate this as one of the deepest tracks on this release, even though it is nonreality based – it’s still about a form of human interest. “Fuck This” is a straight ahead banger formed from rage at the status quo, and is a fierce and unforgiving track.
“Landmine” is another trippy story, and the band flexes their musical muscles in a new direction. They showcase their energy in the video, with director Chris Michael describing it as having the effects of an bad acid trip…. They use blues and reds for emotional effect as they blaze through the song in this performance video. I like everything about this song and video, as it shows the growth of the band both lyrically and in their playing.
The musicianship is high quality throughout, and showcases these seasoned players as a cut above the rest. The vocals of Nigel Burk and his and bassist Jeremy Schott’s lyrics, move things forward in a thoughtful manner. There are strong hooks and solos throughout – but in a more economical fashion that get the point across without being too overwrought. “D.K.C.” is another skull cracking hard rocker with a grunge meets metal attack, featuring sizzling guitars and a moving theme involving school shooting with Burk putting in one of his finest efforts. Everything about this song is great, so don’t skip it, put it on repeat until it clicks. After a few listens – you’ll fully understand the emotion behind it – with Burk’s voice carrying it all the way home.
“Stella” gets to exit the stage in grand fashion, with a smokey tale about a sultry rock star’s ups and downs. The song itself is a slinky hard rock number with explicit lyrics to describe the tale, with Burk laying down some of his gnarliest screams, and some of the best guitar work on display of the entire EP. This is by no means a leftover closer, as it would go just as well as an opener and that is why “Human Interest” is consistently good from front to back, start to finish, and why CARSEX are a force to reckon with.
Gwen Waggoner