When New York Is Drowning
Self-Released, 2021
10/10
Listen to When New York Is Drowning
A Brooklyn outfit spearheaded by Adam Downer, Carrier also includes bassist Skye Matlock, guitarist Bart Mol and Greg Russo behind the drum kit. Together, they sure do make When New York Is Drowning a substantial listen that’s somewhere between indie, alt and punk rock.
“Bitter Child” starts the listen and makes an immediate impression with its powerful guitars and thumping drums that align perfectly with the driving melodies and gritty buzzing that’s part garage rock, part alt-rock and even has some punk flavor, and “Parade” follows with a calmer pace of playful bass lines amid swift drumming and smooth singing that’s got plenty of range.
“You, Underwater” lands in the middle and showcases a very dynamic rhythm section that wouldn’t be out of place in the mid 2000’s emo scene, while “Incinerator” offers a stylish delivery of swirling ‘90s influenced rock. “Little Fish” then steers into more pop fueled territory that would give Weezer a run for their money during their best days.
Near the end, “Orchard” recruits some post-punk nods in an anthemic sort of way that’s layered with precision, and “Stops” exits the listen with a blistering and angular intensity that could make you both get on the dance floor and search for the nearest pit to leap into.
A record that might bring to names like The Killers, The Front Bottoms or even pop-punk bands from two decades ago, When New York Is Drowning would flow seamlessly into Jawbreaker’s “P.S. New York Is Burning”, which is about the highest praise you’ll hear from me.
Travels well with: The Lawrence Arms- Skeleton Coast; The Menzingers- On The Impossible Past