Carus Thompson is an Australian legend. From his work with The True Believers as well as solo stuff, he has developed over the past 15 years into one of the country’s finest songwriters. Having seen him perform countless times over the years, his craft of storytelling is like none other. Island is the new record and it’s full of everything that we’ve have come to expect over the years. Brilliant riffs, honest heartfelt lyrics and an element that is sure to have you singing along with a smile in no time.
One of the main positives to this album is the inclusion of Joel Quartermain. This is Carus’s first studio album in five years and with a full band behind him, he is back with a vengeance. Quartermain’s production credits include Meg Mac, Dustin Tebbutt, Dan Sultan as well as his work with Eskimo Joe and he has truly brought out the best sound of Carus Thompson.
Tackling hard subject matter in his lyrics, Carus is a true poet and paints vivid imagery we can all relate to through his lyrics. My favourite tracks off Island would have to be either ‘Lies, Beach Fires’ or ‘Reza Barati’, the true story of an Iranian asylum seeker who was killed on Manus Island back in 2014. This album is an evolution of Carus Thompson’s sound and a record that you should definitely have in your collection. February 25th he is playing at the Piping Hot Chicken Shop in Ocean Grove and if you can you should try and head along because these songs sound great on the album, but they will launch to another level in the live format. A welcome return for Australia’s answer to Springsteen.
4.5/5
Reviewed by Tex Miller