Carbonfour
A Matter of Physics (2002)

Review by: Michael Walls
Date: 9/15/03

Sometimes I can get overly excited about a newly discovered indie band, anxious to tell the world what I have uncovered, only to realize later that I’m late to the party. Such was the case when I reviewed The Soundtrack of our Lives – finding out late in my research that they were nominated for a grammy.

So when Carbonfour’s A Matter of Physics started ringing in my ears only after one listen – I decided to do some thorough research this time – lest I find out they’re touring with U2.

The good news is that Carbonfour is a bunch of nobodies from Chicago. Rather, good news for me, because now I can write whatever I want without the fear of failure by comparison. I’m sure Carbonfour doesn’t think of themselves as nobodies – yet I was hard pressed to find much detailed info, less even a photo of the band. Yes, they have a website – but it is lacking in that typical narcissistic way of most band websites, inundated with band press photos and gig snapshots. Maybe they’re camera shy, maybe they’re all hideously ugly. Or maybe Carbonfour is only interested in playing music.

The music is certainly the reason I’m writing this. This is guitar-driven power-pop with sensational keyboards, sometimes funky, sometimes smooth – all led by the powerful vocals of keyboardist Nels Stromborg. Reminiscent of Tears for Fears, where the music is thick and powerful, the vocals swirling and layered, and the melodies dark and addictive. This isn’t simple pop ditties with sharp hooks. These songs require some time, some appreciative listening.

A Matter of Physics is a relatively short, 8 song CD, but there are no filler tunes here. On two tracks, “Crack” and “We Make Believe”, Stromborg’s vocals bare an eerie similarity to Matt Johnson of The The. “Crack” is my favorite tune, with it’s funky, growling vocal style, guitarist Ian Scott doing a Johnny Marr impersonation, and the outstanding funky keyboard ending. Love it.

“White Flags and Radio Waves” is also one of the standout tracks, and I’m not sure whether it’s coincidence, my imagination or intentional, but I can’t listen to this song without thinking about Roger Waters. I might need to break out my Radio K.A.O.S. cassette.

A Matter of Physics is a 2002 release, so I may have been a bit late to the record release party for this debut CD – but I’m early to the bandwagon party that will certainly begin to form when Carbonfour starts to reach the masses.