Tokens, the long-awaited second album by Bristol-based indie rock trio ¡Ay Carmela!, brims with sass and sincerity. At heart, this is a melancholic record, exploring themes of grief and disappointment, but it never feels like ¡Ay Carmela! want your pity. Front-person Carmela’s understated, downbeat vocal is supercharged by a banging rhythm section, giving the whole album a powerful swagger.
The band wears their ’90s alt influences on their sleeves, and fans of Belly and Warpaint will find a lot to love on too. Opener ‘Host’ gets the album off to a memorable start with heavy guitars and punchy, powerful vocals that lure the listener in, before it builds to a proper pop chorus with swooning harmonies.
Recent single ‘Magnolia Walls’ is real standout. Carmela’s evocative, relatable lyrics reflect on ageing, the threat of unfulfilled potential and craving stability. “It used to be fun, living in a dump…”, she sings, “I thought I’d have moved on, instead I’ve just moved around.” ‘Rear View’ is another high point; it’s quieter and more intimate than some of the other songs on the album, bringing in keys rather than guitars, so we can really focus on Carmela’s vocal and lyrics. A torch song, tinged with nostalgia, it’s a beautiful portrait of loss and longing.
It’s been seven years since the band’s debut album and it’s been worth the wait. With a new line-up and a different home city, the band seem re-charged and reinvigorated. And that’s a great thing, because songs as beautifully written and crafted as these need to be heard.
The band has been playing shows throughout 2023, and we’re super excited to have them playing for us at our next gig at Shacklewell Arms on 2nd February next year, supporting German dream-poppers Roller Derby with faves Panic Pocket. Nab tickets on Dice now!
Tokens is out now. Download / buy the album on Bandcamp now.
Photo Credit: Elise Wootten
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