CONCERT REVIEW: CAROUSEL SCENE AT STUDIO RECORDS - DECEMBER 30TH, 2016
To wrap up a productive year, Surrey's own Carousel Scene hit the stage for their last show of 2016 at Studio Records on Granville. This particular performance was in celebration of the electro-pop group's latest release, "Red Lipstick" (available on Apple Music, Bandcamp, and Spotify).
Carousel Scene had a packed 2016. Not only did they make the transition from alt-rock to pop, but they've had exciting releases and added new members to their lineup. Produced by synth man Terence Trusdale, each track from the 6-song set captured the band's new sound in a different way.
Their 2016 finale had a family-like atmosphere, with the multi-talented Dianne Ocampo making her return after five months of travels. Her stand-in, Reid, joined the band on stage on percussion, bringing the whole squad back together. Their most dedicated fans and closest friends gathered to celebrate the year the band had, singing and dancing their way through their set. Always gracious performers, Carousel Scene showed the crowd that they appreciated all who came: whether it was through getting down in the pit, or flashing their beaming perma-smiles that couldn't be contained.
Opening the show with "All We Do," they kicked off on an upbeat note. The set continued with a good balance of electro-pop bangers ("Girls") and slow jams ("Secrets"). Though they haven't been pop for long, they've mastered their new sound quickly. Take their cover of Majid Jordan's "Small Talk" – spicing up the song's classic OVO Sound feel, the group put a Carousel Scene/’80s pop twist on the tune.
It's tough to come up with solid adjectives for lead singer Ashley Weis' unique vocals and engaging stage presence. To get an idea, she's best described as a "purée of Billie Holiday, Lauryn Hill, Amy Winehouse, Alex Turner, Karen O MJ, Julian Casablancas and Hayley Williams." Guitarist Khalvin Canhe's smooth backing vocals added new dimension to the set, and it's great to see the band experimenting with each member's talents.
With the band coming back together in time for the new release, 2017 is looking full-speed ahead for Carousel Scene. Hoping to hear plenty more new beats and catch many a body roll at shows they've got lined up for this year.
Written by: Tiana Marconato
Photographed by: Shane Sharma
