Carsie Blanton: Love & Rage REVIEW by Aaron B.


It’s true. She writes “a lot about sexuality and gender and a little bit about politics as well”, which incidentally is what caused me to listen to Buck Up back in 2019, but with time I forsook simple listening and became hooked. Away from its aggressive tales and soulful stirrings, I was struck only by Blanton’s storytelling talent and how inescapable her efficient snatches turned out to be. 

So I’m a little miffed that this could have been the follow-up it ain’t, but it starts strong and ends less well, sustained through with warmth and aplomb that rivals Buck on nuance alone. Tied together by a voice well versed in mettle, I like the pluckier cuts as is my personal taste; staying off her “shit list” altogether seems a fine idea, plus she takes a well-aimed shot at the America Trump envisioned yet failed to see. But “All My Love” and “Be Good” are ardent and slight and impactful and imbue the album with such sweetness it’s impossible to quash the merit she’s owed for sharpening her skills. That is, when talking about love. 

Less to her credit is the fact that I had to spend a solid fortnight coming to that conclusion. However, to her credit that only two playthroughs saw me remember every track, every tricky detail, of a woman whose great gift is for sentiment. Whose sentimentality teases saccharine, but is wise enough to step away.


Carsie Blanton: Love & Rage, 4/5



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