Album of the Week: “Caroline 2” by Visible Mending

London-based octet caroline have taken a unique approach to songcraft on their influential second album, “caroline 2.” This groundbreaking album embodies a kintsugi style, reminiscent of the visible mending trend found on a popular subreddit. Just like how users on r/visiblemending create wearable artworks by visibly mending clothes, caroline celebrates the art of creating music with their friends by leaving their stitches exposed.

Following their self-titled debut in 2022, “caroline 2” is a product of three years of meticulous crafting by a group of perfectionists. The album is a paradox, showcasing both refinement and messiness. While the band has honed their sound, deepened their camaraderie, and sharpened their songwriting skills, there is a raw, incomplete quality to some tracks, reminiscent of their earlier works.

The songs on “caroline 2” feel deliberately unfinished, embodying a collage-like nature that harks back to their earlier dada-folk mixtape. Different recordings of varying quality are intertwined, with vocal demos juxtaposed against heavily manipulated vocals. The imperfections and scars left in the final product bear witness to the group’s laborious creative process.

Tracks like “When I Get Home” and “U R ONLY ACHING” showcase the band’s experimental approach. Incorporating scratchy demos, maximal post-rock recordings, glitchy autotuned vocals, and minimal folk versions, these songs demonstrate the diverse musical landscape that caroline navigates. The group’s willingness to leave visible seams in their compositions adds depth and character to their sound.

Throughout the album, delicate yet powerful songs are presented in a variety of ways, showcasing the band’s creative process. Whether it’s the fragmented sections of “Tell me I never knew that” or the disjointed arrangement of “Coldplay cover,” caroline weaves disparate parts together into a cohesive whole, creating harmonies that are simultaneously fractured and beautiful.

At the core of caroline’s musical prowess lies their exemplary sound. Blending delicate folk structures with experimental elements like strange strings and misfiring post-rock guitars, the band creates a sonic tapestry that is both intricate and emotive. The lyrics, penned by the core songwriting trio, evoke raw emotion and vulnerability, adding depth to the band’s already dynamic sound.

Highlighted by the ethereal vocals of Caroline Polachek on “Tell me I never knew that” and the emotional weight of “Two riders down,” “caroline 2” is a masterclass in experimental folk-rock. With its captivating blend of unconventional song structures, haunting vocals, and raw emotion, this album solidifies caroline’s status as crafters of truly exceptional music. Their willingness to embrace imperfections and celebrate the creative process sets them apart in a music industry often driven by perfection and polish. “caroline 2” stands as a testament to the band’s artistic vision and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of conventional songwriting.