I have a soft spot for debut singles and have covered a lot over the last few years, but this one from Cassiope is right up there with the most accomplished. Originally from Melbourne, but now residing in the Czech Republic, she's trained in improvised voice and classical double bass, has a nice line in Hohner Guitaret (I know, I had to look it up too) and also did a great job on producing, mixing and mastering "Carol", which is unusual for any artist let alone a debutant.
What makes my fondness for "Carol" peculiar though is that it's a Christmas song, a genre I'm normally quite adverse to. Fortunately she's managed to turn the genre on its head both lyrically and musically to catch my attention.
Wasting no time moody atmospherics erupt through the speakers, as does a driving, frankly killer drum and acoustic bass loop that would get most MCs searching for their nearest microphone. The words "silent night" signal thematic intent and confound initial expectation, as does Cassiope's voice that eschews seasonal sentimentality and faux Xmas cheeriness for a direct, true and captivating vocal style, subverting the genre once again. The rhythm section then continues its unrelenting drive as minimal, suspenseful sounds and bowed strings add a decidedly cinematic noir vibe for her tale of Christmas spent in Melbourne's summer glare - yet more Christmas cliches thrown out of the window for good measure.
It's an odd tale wonderfully told, and a Christmas song for all seasons, not to mention a serious statement of intent from this obviously singular and talented artist.
Playlist Companion:
For the sake of argument, and partly as it didn't fit in any of my other playlists, find Cassiope's debut in the Slow Psyche Playlist.
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