REVIEWS

Carlby & Horosha "Midwest Vignettes" Album Review
Written by Emma Blaire

"Midwest Vignettes" is a rock album that skillfully combines various genres, including emo, pop, hip-hop, pop-rock, Midwest emo, and emo rap. The collaborative effort between main artists Carlby and Horosha, with notable features from lil skele, pnut, and lilac heart, has resulted in an album that delivers melodic serenity and emotional spurts of energy.

With a total of 12 tracks, "Midwest Vignettes" invites listeners on a captivating journey through the heart of the Midwest. This album skillfully captures the essence of the region's landscapes and emotions, evoking a powerful sense of nostalgia. The album starts with the graceful track "Winnebago Street," which sets the tone for the entire album.

Emotional Resonance and Lyricism

Although calmness is a recurring theme in "Midwest Vignettes," the album also has dynamic shifts and gradually builds up energy. The tracks have moments of raw intensity and heartfelt emotion, which adds depth and nuance. The energetic bursts in tracks such as "Phased" are a testament to the artists' skill in captivating and emotionally involving their listeners.

"Midwest Vignettes" delves into the intricate dynamics of love and the profound connections between individuals. The album explores themes of love, friendships, and the complexities of relationships through its lyrical content. The songs delve deeply into the complexities of love, making them relatable to anyone going through the highs and lows of romantic relationships. This album also serves as a poetic reflection for individuals searching for a deeper understanding of matters related to the heart.

Sound Quality and Production

One notable aspect of this album is its incorporation of captivating background vocals that beautifully complement the lead singer's voice. The balance between the lead and background vocals ensures that neither element of the music overpowers the other. The outcome is a pleasing and balanced auditory experience that enables the listener to fully grasp each track's melody.

In addition, the production of each track is crisp, resulting in a harmonious balance between the vocals and instruments. The sound quality is carefully maintained to ensure that no element overpowers another. This approach to production enhances the overall listening experience by allowing each note and lyric to shine.

Influences

"Midwest Vignettes" showcases the abundant and varied musical influences that Carlby and Horosha draw upon. The way they seamlessly blend emo, pop, hip-hop, and other genres in their rock album showcases their artistic talent and their willingness to explore new boundaries. The combination of different elements in this album creates a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly unique, setting it apart from other music in today's landscape.