JEFF McQUILKIN, THE OOMPH – A MUSIC BLOG JULY 11, 2010:

In the many attempts of indie music to break the mold created by the mainstream and come up with something new, I hear a lot of experimental rock that sounds more like chaos than anything else.  When you get a lot of these bands exploring all this new ground, ironically, they all tend to run together in their experimentalism.

But when Denver-Boulder band Carbon Choir sent me a copy of their latest release, High Beams, I was refreshingly surprised by their particular flavor of atmospheric rock.  Yes, it’s out of the mainstream, and yes, it’s experimental.  But it’s also highly intelligent music, blending reflective falsetto vocals with ethereal guitars and intricate (yet accurate) rhythms in a sonic mix that actually works.  You’ll probably hear Radiohead and Coldplay influences, but this is definitely not a carbon copy band.  

Steal This Track (Blog for Denver Post's Reverb April 6, 2010) by Eryc Eyl:

"The gossamer pop of Carbon Choir is at once blissful and melancholy. Keyboardist Chris Hatton and guitarist/frontman Joel Van Horne create dense-yet-delicate layers of sound that threaten to float off into space, while bassist Ryan Fechter and drummer Scott Weidner keep the dirigible tethered to the ground. Meanwhile, Van Horne nimbly voices soulful assertions and falsetto questions that recall the confidently emotive vocals of the Velvet Teen’s Judah Nagler.

The quartet’s musical depth and breadth — hinted at over the course of its eponymous debut EP from 2007 and 2008’s “Middletown” EP — found their fullest expression on “High Beams,” the band’s first full-length album, released at the end of last year. Taken from that album, “For One Day” should be more than enough to convince you that Carbon Choir is a group worth seeking out."

Rocky Mountain Music Network, - Chris K. “The Colorado Sound” blog, March, 2010:

Originally released December 2009, we just got this copy in the CS office.  This is another very sophisticated contemporary adult listen for 2010.  It’s very ethereal, very well orchestrated, beautifully arranged, and the performances throughout are among the best I’ve ever heard from a Colorado band at any level.  There’s not a ton of tempo on this record; there doesn’t need to be.  Recommended if you like Radiohead, though don’t expect to hear them wear that influence on their sleeve.  This is a band not bound by any other imagination than their own.  A sure early year contender for many “Best of Colorado 2010″ lists.  

Tru Blu's review of High Beams for Colorado Music Buzz's Cover Story review (Jan. 2010):

"High Beams , Carbon Choir’s new full length CD gave me an undeniable feeling of pride and honor.   I’m honored to be given the opportunity to review a great work of art and I’m proud to be a part of a local music scene that has a band like Carbon Choir in it!  High Beams is an exceptional work of song and story, of melody and lyrics and it must be listened to again and again and again!    It has sonic hints of great bands like Train and Radiohead and gave me a feeling of pure serenity.  Carbon Choir exudes professionalism and polish of a band that’s already made it!  Their talent and obvious passion for perfection shine in High Beams."

Praise for 'High Beams' from Marquee Magazine's December 2009 Issue (Brian F. Johnson):

"God, I hope a lot of people hear this album.  Carbon Choir has solidified their sound for their first full-length release, which is undeniably as slick and polished as their mega-artist influences (think Radiohead with more piano), but the fact that they are local makes this release phenomenal by all accounts.  Trust me, if you like Coldplay-esque rock mixed with some Beta Band and Arcade Fire, you'll be amazed at how well these local boys pull it off and High Beams is Carbon Choir at their best."

John Wenzel says of High Beams (Denver Post, Best Shows Blog, Dec. 4, 2009):

"Carbon Choir's "Afraid to Multiply," the lead track on new album "High Beams," is one of the most succinct, graceful musical statements to come out of Denver this year." 

Westword ‘Critic’s Choice’ column (Dec. 3, 2008) by Tom Murphy:

"Carbon Choir is a band whose virtues compound with each song. At first you might be drawn in by the music's delicate atmospherics and expertly measured pacing, because the band's sound is definitely made for reflective moments and thoughtful observation. But those who dismiss this act as just another Radiohead-influenced atmospheric indie band with piano should give it more than a cursory listen. Its jazz rhythms and tonal choices reveal a group that takes great care to execute evocative moments, employing emotion and superior technique in a refreshing fusion of brain and heart. The admirably diverse material also makes it obvious that these guys are drawing from a broad sonic palette. Many bands strive for soaring ethereal beauty, but few have melodies as rock-solid as Carbon Choir."

Colorado Music Buzz’s ‘What to Watch For in ‘09’ article (Jan, 2009) by Brian Frederick:

"It’s hard to imagine 2009 not having Carbon Choir written all over it. With only two EPs out, to date — the suspense is building in the local arena. A full-length is going to happen this year, says the band, but they are continuing to shop around for the right studio to get started. Recently named in Westword’s, “Critic Choice,” this thought-provoking group is sure to have a killer year."

Marquee Magazine's review of the s/t EP, Feb. '08 issue by Brian F. Johnson:

"Boulder's own answer to Radiohead, Carbon Choir, has just released its debut EP, which was recorded at Coupe Studios in Boulder and engineered by John McVey. The EP is excellent, there's only one problem with it: It's just an EP and not a full album. Otherwise, the three tracks that are on it are excellent, melodic indie rock."

 Excerpts from Colorado Music Buzz Magazine's cover feature article by S. Giesler (January, 2010):

 

Carbon Choir is comprised of vocalist/guitarist Joel Van Horne, keyboardist Chris Hatton, bassist Ryan Fetcher, and drummer Scott Weidner.  Having only been around for a few years, these gentlemen most definitely have a handle on what they’re doing.

CMB: So are you trying to work with more of the independent, or the mainstream side of the music industry?

Joel:  We don’t identify with a particular scene. The music fits into a more mainstream sound but has a more introspective indie kind of thing at the same time.

Scott: The music is accessible with substance. The songs are supposed to be an experience.

Carbon Choir’s discography includes two previous E.Ps, one self titled released in 2007, and the second entitled “Middletown” released in 2008. Both of the E.P.s were recorded at Coupe Studios in Boulder. The first full length, “High Beams” was released December 4 of this year with the release party being held at the Walnut Room.  Recording for the album was done at GLOBALSOUND with engineer Jamie Mefford.

 

CMB: What was different about the writing and recording process for the full length as opposed to the two earlier E.P.s?

Joel: We started recording in late March or early April, and it was a six month process... on this album there was no rush, we had all the time in the world. When we sat down to do this, we wanted to record an album. We wanted this to be a solid album through and through. I don’t feel like there’s any filler.  And Jamie was amazing...he was co-producing with us”. 

 

 The full length album is an eleven song compilation of songs I either feel should have been playing as a soundtrack for events in my life, or make me dream of those to come. While listening to Van Horne’s vocals give me a flashback of the first time I heard Thom Yorke’s voice over a set of speakers, other resemblances include some of the earlier stuff from Wilco. The album would be classified as modern indie rock... beautiful string work makes an appearance in the form of both a violin and cello to bring out the ghostly enchanting sound of Van Horne’s voice.

 

My vote for the single would be either “Measure for your Madness” or the slower “Look Out Below”.  While both are soulful, with lyrics that can be dissected by the listener according to how they’re feeling at that moment, both also have a way to relate to their listener on multiple levels. These are two songs that hit very close to home. They feel personal, and I like it.  There’s also a bonus track online that is accessible once the C.D. is purchased that isn’t available anywhere else.

 

CMB: What do you want people to associate with the band when they hear your name?

Chris: The strength of our band is our live show.

Joel: We want people to come to our shows - that’s why we do it.