ALBUM REVIEW: Don’t Let Them Pass You By – Carpool Tunnel

Sophomore slump has become so much of a saying that it’s almost become a cliché however surf rockers CARPOOL TUNNEL have managed to avoid this on their new album Don’t Let Them Pass You By.

The first track sort of sets the stage for the album. Two Hearts starts basic enough with some simple guitar riffs that instantly create a nice little hook. There’s nothing super fancy going on with the vocals yet and the female and male voices bounce off each other really well in this track. Everything Will Change kicks in with a slightly heavier yet upbeat tone as the vocals compliment this with the way in which they soar through the choruses. This track features a bass solo which is unexpected but still welcome as it helps add another layer.

Third up is recent single Nothing I’d Rather Do. It’s a really great track as it adds a hint of melancholy. It’s not a downer or anything as it is still insanely fun. The chorus is so bouncy with the short phrasing on the guitar parts and the breakdown feel in the solo is simplistic but that’s not a fault as it doesn’t need to be complex to still be effective here.

Glow sounds a little CALPURNIA-inspired but CARPOOL TUNNEL make it their own through their signature vocal style and their more laid-back feel. The vocals are more strained and really show off range throughout the track. There’s a dreampop feel which is accompanied by a rawer sounding guitar solo which creates a contrast that still works. This is one of the tracks where the keys feature most heavily as they create an atmosphere over the entire song.

Romanticized is a fun bouncy track that instantly conjures up summer vibes with a major key and upbeat vocals. The lyrics themselves describe a relationship gone bad but it’s still a lot of fun. The synths feature more heavily on this track which is pretty cool as it adds a little more depth to this track. It’s got a sing-along outro that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Alternatively Holding On, Letting Go is a much more laid back and relaxed track. It’s a little lighter on the instrumentation in the verses whilst the choruses are a bit heavier. With super chilled-out vocals, this track provides a little breathing space as the previous track is a bit livelier. It’s a good track and really works well at this point in the album.

All This Time It Was You is a great little track. It is mostly vocals over an acoustic guitar which feels like it could be played anywhere anytime with a more folky feel. The chorus’ build-up includes the entire band and even a string section which hasn’t featured quite as heavily yet and really works on this track. The vocals aren’t too fancy nor are they bland and boring. They’re just really honest.

Rarity brings the album to a close. This track starts mostly on a guitar and builds bringing in bass and drums after the intro and verse. The vocals have a simple feel but with the use of effects a dreamy feel is created which is layered on top in some parts which is a great little addition. This track is about listening out for the little additions included and appreciating how it’s not overly complex but it’s not mind-numbingly simple. It hits the sweet spot between super serious and nonsensical fun and it provides the perfect ending to this album.

Don’t Let Them Pass You By is surf-rock at its finest. It’s exactly what it should be, relaxed where it needs to be, lively where it has to be, and everything in between. CARPOOL TUNNEL seem to have really found their feet and built on that with this album showing what they can do.

Rating: 7/10

Don’t Let Them Pass You By is set for release on October 20th via Pure Noise Records.

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