Be prepared to travel back in time to your angsty days with the gritty and daring sound of LA-based artist CARR (Carly McClellan), where fans of indie rockers like Soccer Mommy or Lucy Dacus will gravitate to her pop-punk edge. Today, she releases an instant headbanger, “Kiss Me When I’m Dead,” ahead of her new EP, I’m Just Bored.
Already with a title that should’ve grabbed your attention, the track starts out with a quick and exciting drumbeat. The characteristics of 90s and 2000s punk rock bands are prevalent with that said fast tempo along with the pop-heavy melody. The gritty guitar and careful autotuned moments also help. Her lyrics, blunt and even humorous at points, focus on modern dating and mixed feelings. McClellan’s vocals are monotone, but in the very best possible way. It actually adds to the candidness of the song and balances the production, really establishing CARR’s persona.
Always searching for peace of mind, CARR makes music for a dissatisfied generation. Her searing tracks tackle the perils of modern dating, the art of indecisiveness, and the disillusion behind today's gut-wrenching expectations. CARR’s next collection of songs centers around a myriad of sonic left-turns and diaristic songwriting interrogating the stark realities of coming-of-age mistakes, toxic relationships, and the sometimes painful but joyous roads of self-discovery.
Even outside of the track, CARR openly shares, "‘Kiss Me When I’m Dead’ is about people that think they have a chance with you, but you’re just not interested. Specifically this guy friend that was trying really hard to get with me, and it was so clear that I wasn’t interested in him. It’s kind of like a 'give it up' moment. I did like him as a person and friend, I thought he was great, but I didn’t want anything more." Whereas some people might find McClellan’s track and statement as harsh or overly-confident, I love how unapologetic she is, sincerely sharing feelings about a subject that can sometimes be tricky to talk about.
The EP I’m Just Bored will be out on October 29 via Pack Records.
