Caroline 2 Review: Avant-Folk Meets Pop Simplicity in a Stunning Sonic Evolution

Exploring Caroline’s bold blend of avant-folk and pop simplicity, Caroline 2 showcases their most mature songwriting and experimental sound yet.

A Bold New Direction for Caroline

When south London’s Caroline dropped their self-titled debut in 2022, their slow-burning, introspective songs stood apart from the city’s louder post-punk buzz. But with Caroline 2, the band steps into new territory, swapping their familiar crescendo-driven style for brighter, pop-infused compositions. Don’t mistake this shift for selling out; instead, Caroline seamlessly weaves pop elements into their experimental fabric, creating their most refined and confident work to date.

Playful Pop References and Catchy Collaborations

The pop influence shines through in playful nods scattered across the tracklist. The cheeky ‘Coldplay Cover’ wink to Coldplay and the homage to Blur in ‘Song Two’ highlight their lighthearted side. The standout track, ‘Tell Me I Never Knew That’, strays from Caroline’s analog roots by embracing autotune and featuring a vibrant duet with experimental pop artist Caroline Polachek. The result? A sparkling ballad that easily ranks among the year’s most enchanting collaborations.

Melodic Simplicity Meets Emotional Depth

Despite diving into digital production, Caroline retains their signature heartfelt core. The eight-piece band opts for simple yet effective melodic lines—not as a concession, but because these melodies pack the most emotional punch. Tracks like ‘Coldplay Cover’ and ‘U R Ur Only Aching’ balance complex instrumental waves with refrains so pure and catchy, even a child could hum them.

Essence of Caroline Remains Intact

Even with fresh sonic adventures, Caroline 2 preserves the elements that made their debut so captivating—the drone of violins, the crisp guitar tones, and those lush open-mouthed vocal harmonies. The track ‘Two Riders Down’ channels the raw ache of grief through fractured violin and anguished vocals, culminating in a climax that feels almost too intense to bear, breathtaking in its emotional weight.

A Natural Evolution with Some Risks

Fans of the debut’s pastoral, slowcore charm may find themselves divided. The immersive atmosphere of the first album doesn’t fully carry over here. Some digital flourishes, like the autotune on ‘U R Ur Only Aching’, occasionally distract rather than enhance. Yet, these risks feel deliberate, signaling a natural and exciting progression for the band’s sound rather than a misstep.

Caroline 2: A Sonic Blueprint for the Future

By distilling complex ideas into a deeply affecting core, Caroline proves that honest sonic experimentation is always worth the journey. Caroline 2 is a dazzling blueprint for the next era of the band—an accomplished eight-piece pushing musical boundaries and delivering their most captivating release yet.

Album Details

• Record Label: Rough Trade
• Release Date: May 30, 2025

The climax is awe-inspiring, threatening to collapse under its own unbearable emotional weight.

— Caroline 2 Review

FAQs

• What genre influences are prominent in Caroline 2?
  Caroline 2 blends avant-folk with pop simplicity, incorporating both lush instrumental arrangements and catchy melodies.
• How does Caroline 2 differ from their debut album?
  The sophomore album introduces more pop-inspired elements, autotune, and collaborations, marking a bolder, more experimental sound.
• Who features on the track ‘Tell Me I Never Knew That’?
  Experimental pop artist Caroline Polachek collaborates with the band on this shimmering ballad.
• Are there any notable references in the album?
  Yes, the album playfully nods to Coldplay and Blur through tracks like ‘Coldplay Cover’ and ‘Song Two’.
• Is Caroline 2 suitable for fans of the band’s earlier slowcore style?
  Some fans may find the shift towards pop and digital production a departure from the debut’s pastoral slowcore feel, but it’s a natural evolution.

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