CARSEX Review of the NEW Human Interest EP

BY: Philip Sayblack

​Independent rock act Carsex released its latest studio recording, Human Interest earlier this month.  The seven-song EP is the band’s third EP and third overall studio recording behind two other EPs released in 2019 and 2020 respectively.  This latest offering from the independent noise rock act is an intriguing addition to this year’s field of new EPs.  That is due to its musical and lyrical content.  ‘Crooked Canvas,’ which is one of the record’s singles serves well to make that clear.  It will be discussed shortly.  ‘Sitting Ducks,’ which opens the record and is another of its singles, does just as much to make that clear.  It will be addressed a little later.  ‘Landmine,’ the record third single, also exhibits why the record’s overall content makes the overall presentation of interest.  It will also be examined later.  All three songs are key in their own way to the whole of the record’s interest.  When they are considered alongside the rest of the EP’s entries, the whole makes Human Interest a unique addition to this year’s field of new EPs that is worth hearing at least once.
Human Interest, the latest studio recording from Carsex, is a unique presentation from the independent noise rock outfit.  This is proven through its musical and lyrical content alike.  Musically, the band does not necessarily break any new ground across the seven tracks that make up the record’s body.  The familiar blend of garage, stoner, and noise rock that the band has made so familiar in its previous EPs is on full display here once again, as is evidenced in part through its single, ‘Crooked Canvas.’  The song’s musical arrangement is a DIY style garage punk style composition that is grounded in its gritty guitar riff and equally rough vocals.  Fans of bands, such as The Hives, Jet, and The Strokes will find a certain familiarity in that noted vocal delivery style in its almost percussive style.
The fire in that musical presentation matches well with the song’s lyrical theme, which centers on the humans’ gullible nature.  Front man Nigel Burk addressed the song’s theme in a statement, noting, “‘Crooked Canvas’ is about the metaphorical wool being pulled over people’s eyes and the blind, general consumption of what’s being put forth.  Whether it’s politics, religion, what shoes to buy, which pill will make your **** bigger. It’s about consumerism at its finest and my distate for it.”  The theme in question is familiar territory for the rock realm and the relatively accessible fashion in which it is delivered here is certain to engage audiences.  The whole therein makes ‘Crooked Canvas’ just one example of what Human Interest has to offer audiences.
‘Sitting Ducks,’ another of the record’s singles, does its own share to exhibit the strength of the EP’s overall content.  Debuted late last year (along with ‘Crooked Canvas’), the EP’s second single takes the band in a different direction, musically, than the record’s lead single.  Instead of the noted garage punk sound and style exhibited in ‘Crooked Canvas,’ ‘Sitting Ducks’ is more of a post hardcore style composition.  This is made clear right from the song’s opening bars, what with its sharp, biting guitar riff and tight drums.  The equally tight screams that join in as the song progresses.  It is an approach that is sure to engage and entertain its own share of listeners.
The lyrical theme that accompanies that powerful musical arrangement makes for its own interest.  In the case of this song, its lyrical theme is more social than political.  As Burk noted of the song’s theme, “‘Sitting Ducks’ is a kind of ‘They Live’ type song.  It covers the helplessness and monotony of a modern world and the meaninglessness that follows what’s viewed as being “important” by society at large and the misalignment of priorities in today’s chaotic times.”  In other words, instead of focusing on political matters, the message is something of an existentialist rumination for lack of better wording.  It is another theme that is hardly unique to the rock and metal world, but is still certain to resonate with its own share of audiences.  To that end, it builds on the engagement ensured through the song’s musical arrangement.  When the two items are considered collectively here, the whole makes the song another strong example of how much Human Interest has to offer audiences.
‘Landmine,’ the EP’s third single, is yet one more example of the strength of the record’s overall content.  That is proven in part through its featured musical arrangement.  Where ‘Sitting Ducks’ presents a post hardcore style approach and where ‘Crooked Canvas’ is more of a DIY garage punk style composition, ‘Landmine’ exhibits elements of garage punk and even some stoner rock.  A close listen could even lead some to argue a subtle Nirvana influence here.  To that end, this song’s arrangement is its own work unique from its counterparts in the record.
The tension in the song’s musical arrangement pairs well with the message in the song’s lyrical theme.  According to Burk, the song’s lyrical message is another commentary.  This time, according to Burk, the message is another commentary about the forces that control people. 
“Landmine’ is a follow-up to our song “Your Lesson”, which delved into succumbing to various forms of temptation and how we’re taught to fear divine retribution if we fall prey to these desires.  “Landmine” takes it a step further – it’s akin to a bad acid trip where everything is distorted…    You come to the realization that there is no absolution and you’re going to burn anyway.  It’s like walking through a field of landmines – you’re going to blow up, no matter what you do”.  Yes, this is somewhat nihilistic in nature, but it is also a sense of realism.  It is that sense of helplessness, almost but also can create a sense of determination to push on regardless.  To that end, it is a message that is sure to resonate with audiences, too.  To that end, when this and the song’s musical arrangement pair up, they make yet another example of what Human Interest has to offer audiences.  When this song and the other singles examined here are considered alongside the rest of the record’s entries, the whole therein makes Human Interest a unique addition to this year’s field of new EPs and a record worth hearing at least once.
Human Interest is available now.  More information on the EP is available along with all of Carsex’s latest news at:
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