31 Dec 2024
Arrays - Album Review: Wreck
13 Sep 2018 // A review by Shade
Wreck is the debut album from talented multi-instrumentalist JP Carroll and follows on from his 2017 EP Motives. Being released under JP's solo heavy rock project Arrays, the title Wreck says so much, yet it says so little. It gives you a glimpse into what lies beneath without revealing anything at all. Some will understand the meaning behind the title, while others will be left in the dark. The lyrics from each song reveal more, and each song collectively makes Wreck what it is. It's actually a very clever name.
However, this album is not a wreck. In fact, it is the complete opposite. Each track compels you to listen to the next, coercing you to discover more. To only listen to a few tracks, or even half the album, would feel incomplete as each track appears to be a continuation of the last. This is the ideal scenario, especially if you are a fan of Rock music - each track is as powerful as the last, and as dominant as the next. This is one album that never gives up, and it's obvious that JP was dedicated to creating this incredible album from beginning to end.
I'm not going to lie to you - Wreck is not filled with fluffy clouds, floral bouquets and dancing unicorns. It's gritty, raw, tenacious and somewhat courageous. It's heartfelt, emotional and rough-around-the-edges, and that is what makes it so appealing.
The first track Weakness In Me sets the tone for the album; fierce, hard-hitting and intense. It has the desired effect, making you move from the first note. It's intriguing, and reminiscent of JP's previous musical venture, Armed in Advance.
The start of Figure You Out offers a temporary and short-lived reprieve, before dishing out another solid round of music. This is one of those tracks that you'll want to listen to over and over again. By the time the third track War comes around, I'm dancing more than concentrating on this review, and that's definitely a good thing. War is one track that deserves to be played with the volume set on high.
Except Me comes across as being radio-friendly - it feels toned down a notch from the previous tracks while still keeping it alive and real. Art Form is integral to the rest of the album, fitting in nicely with the other tracks. There's a rich ambience to this song, giving it a substantial sound.
Off to a slower start is track 6, Can't. There's a tidy quality to this track, and it appears as though a lot of thought and consideration has gone into it.
Picking up the pace again is Corners. This track has a unique edge to it, giving it a distinctive feel and leaving a lasting impression, whilst the composition in Them Or Us is captivating and persuading. It's the sort of track that you feel somewhat obliged to listen to until the very end.
The final track Damascus ends the album on a high. It's the perfect ending to an outstanding release and makes you want to start it all over again.
I have to hand it to JP - Wreck showcases his musicianship to maximum effect; it's thought-provoking, captivating, fierce and intense, while putting his passion, emotions and determination on display. This is not your average album created with an entire band backing up a vocalist - JP wrote, performed, engineered, edited and mixed every piece of work on this album - that in itself is an extraordinary accomplishment. It's apparent that JP is one to watch for, he has the dexterity and aptitude to achieve all that he sets his sights on.
Review written by Lisa Jones
Wreck is the debut album from talented multi-instrumentalist JP Carroll and follows on from his 2017 EP Motives. Being released under JP's solo heavy rock project Arrays, the title Wreck says so much, yet it says so little. It gives you a glimpse into what lies beneath without revealing anything at all. Some will understand the meaning behind the title, while others will be left in the dark. The lyrics from each song reveal more, and each song collectively makes Wreck what it is. It's actually a very clever name.However, this album is not a wreck. In fact, it is the complete opposite. Each track compels you to listen to the next, coercing you to discover more. To only listen to a few tracks, or even half the album, would feel incomplete as each track appears to be a continuation of the last. This is the ideal scenario, especially if you are a fan of Rock music - each track is as powerful as the last, and as dominant as the next. This is one album that never gives up, and it's obvious that JP was dedicated to creating this incredible album from beginning to end.
I'm not going to lie to you - Wreck is not filled with fluffy clouds, floral bouquets and dancing unicorns. It's gritty, raw, tenacious and somewhat courageous. It's heartfelt, emotional and rough-around-the-edges, and that is what makes it so appealing.
The first track Weakness In Me sets the tone for the album; fierce, hard-hitting and intense. It has the desired effect, making you move from the first note. It's intriguing, and reminiscent of JP's previous musical venture, Armed in Advance.
The start of Figure You Out offers a temporary and short-lived reprieve, before dishing out another solid round of music. This is one of those tracks that you'll want to listen to over and over again. By the time the third track War comes around, I'm dancing more than concentrating on this review, and that's definitely a good thing. War is one track that deserves to be played with the volume set on high.
Except Me comes across as being radio-friendly - it feels toned down a notch from the previous tracks while still keeping it alive and real. Art Form is integral to the rest of the album, fitting in nicely with the other tracks. There's a rich ambience to this song, giving it a substantial sound.
Off to a slower start is track 6, Can't. There's a tidy quality to this track, and it appears as though a lot of thought and consideration has gone into it.
Picking up the pace again is Corners. This track has a unique edge to it, giving it a distinctive feel and leaving a lasting impression, whilst the composition in Them Or Us is captivating and persuading. It's the sort of track that you feel somewhat obliged to listen to until the very end.
The final track Damascus ends the album on a high. It's the perfect ending to an outstanding release and makes you want to start it all over again.
I have to hand it to JP - Wreck showcases his musicianship to maximum effect; it's thought-provoking, captivating, fierce and intense, while putting his passion, emotions and determination on display. This is not your average album created with an entire band backing up a vocalist - JP wrote, performed, engineered, edited and mixed every piece of work on this album - that in itself is an extraordinary accomplishment. It's apparent that JP is one to watch for, he has the dexterity and aptitude to achieve all that he sets his sights on.
Review written by Lisa Jones
Rating:
( 5 / 5 )
About Arrays
For JP, music is an ache to soothe, and an itch to scratch. JP’s drive to create a breadth and depth of oeuvre has led him to become a student of recording and production techniques, as well as general industry knowledge, to allow his work to reach as many willing ears as possible.
Arrays is an award winning, (Radio Wigwam - UK best international male artist 2022), hard hitting alternative rock & metal project. JP’s production skills have earned him spots on the Radioscope Top 40 NZ Rock Chart, Hot Single (NZ Official Music) Chart placements, as well as being anointed as ‘one to watch’ by the NZ Official Music Charts. JP’s former band (Armed In Advance) had the honor of supporting Drowning Pool, P.O.D and Skillet on New Zealand soil. JP also currently fronts Auckland hard rock band Swerve City.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Arrays
Releases
Other Reviews By Shade
Maggie Cocco's Science for Sociopaths - Gig Review: Maggie Cocco @ Lopdell Theatre, Tititrangi - 22/11/2023
27 Nov 2023 // by Shade
Whatever came out of the pandemic, it stranded some amazing talent here long enough for them to enrich our musical world. Down into the Lopdell labyrinth, a buzz of age-spanning expectancy waited for two of these: Maggie Cocco and her accompanist for the tour Bonnie Schwarz who would add much more than just ‘sad cello’ to tonight’s epic cycle of piano songs.
Read More...
27 Nov 2023 // by Shade
Whatever came out of the pandemic, it stranded some amazing talent here long enough for them to enrich our musical world. Down into the Lopdell labyrinth, a buzz of age-spanning expectancy waited for two of these: Maggie Cocco and her accompanist for the tour Bonnie Schwarz who would add much more than just ‘sad cello’ to tonight’s epic cycle of piano songs.
Read More...
Eve Kelly @ Jam Factory, Tauranga - 03/03/2023
08 Mar 2023 // by Shade
The ‘Sold Out’ sign is a good sign and it went up several days before Eve Kelly’s first show at The Jam Factory in Tauranga’s Historic Village. Whakatane-based Eve Kelly is a star on-the-rise and she put on a show that left her audience, old and new, elated and begging for more.
Read More...
Banks Arcade - Album Review: Future Lovers
28 Jul 2022 // by Shade
For the last 23 years I've been completely immersed in New Zealand music, soaked through to my inner core. I've been living it, breathing it and drinking it in.
Read More...
Coridian - Single Review: Seed II
21 Oct 2020 // by Shade
There's an implicit line in Rock music between the head-banging craze that makes you want to raid the mosh pit, and the refined preciseness of a subtle yet powerful tune. Very few bands can master both.
Read More...
Arrays - Single Review: No Way Out
13 Oct 2020 // by Shade
Arrays is JP Carroll, a multi-instrumentalist man of many talents, and here we have his new single No Way Out in all its foot-stomping, head-banging and dance-inducing quality.From the very first drop of sound, it's evident that this song is not going to disappoint.
Read More...
Jessy & The Volunteers - Single Review: Time Is Laughing
08 Oct 2020 // by Shade
Some songs stand out more than others, cementing themselves in your mind for days on end. This is one such song.
Read More...
In The Shallows - Single Review: Take It Easy
03 Oct 2020 // by Shade
The opening lyrics set the scene well for this charming little number - "I can't help but wonder is this the only way? Get so caught up in the drama that we forget to play.
Read More...
Coridian - Single Review: Rite of Passage
24 Oct 2019 // by Shade
Home.Adverb - deep; to the heart.
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- APT.
ROSÉ And Bruno Mars - DIE WITH A SMILE
Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars - BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Billie Eilish - TASTE
Sabrina Carpenter - I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
Gracie Abrams - ESPRESSO
Sabrina Carpenter - SAILOR SONG
Gigi Perez - LOSE CONTROL
Teddy Swims - A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
Shaboozey - GOOD LUCK, BABE!
Chappell Roan
More Content on muzic.net.nz
Google Site Search
Custom Search
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report A Problem
