GLASWEGIAN GRUNGE REVIVAL: INDULGING ON ALL THINGS CARNALITY | INTERVIEW

INTERVIEW | CARNALITY by Jasmin Savage

Carnality. ‘The physical feelings and wants of the body’. Only one official release to their name, but that doesn’t stop them from making their mark. The Glasgow band’s music sounds exactly like their name suggests. It rattles through your bones and etches its way into your brain, leaving you wanting more.

Their first single, and only song available on streaming platforms, ‘Waste’, tackles feelings of worthlessness and anger through grumbling vocals and crashing drums, paired with scratchy guitars that give it that gritty edge.

Carnality interestingly only released their other two songs live in session via YouTube, which only strengthens that sharpness to their sound. ‘Dancing’ delves into this aggressive longing for someone that becomes more desperate as the song progresses into an explosion of emotion bursting through, while ‘Happiest Day’ is more soft and melodic. It feels like that same sense of yearning, only in a more reminiscent way. I can imagine almost like a compilation of happy memories flowing through my brain as the song plays, then the guitars cut deeper, and the drums snap it back to reality. The finale of the song feels like a beg to live in those moments forever, repeating “Don’t take my happiest day”.

It’s always an exciting moment discovering a band when they’re only at the beginning of their journey, but it was an extra special feeling when I realised that I get to be part of the climb with them as they spread their sound to a wider audience. I chatted to vocalist Aiden and guitarist Ollie about the vision behind the band, musical inspirations and what’s to come from Carnality. Here’s the rundown…

Firstly, what made you decide on the name Carnality for the band?

Aiden: Carnality came up when suggested by my girlfriend when the band was in its earliest developmental form. I had been scrounging for ideas and had about a million names thrown at me, but I don’t know, Carnality was a word I’d never heard before, it stuck out to me, and thankfully stuck in general.

At the end of July, you released your debut single ‘Waste’. What was the inspiration behind the song?

Aiden: ‘Waste’ was the first song I wrote that I thought could actually be something. I write a lot, a lot comes out, not much sticks, but the ones that do stick for a reason we think. Waste kind of comes from a place of sorrow, self-doubt, feeling stuck/useless and thinking of how that portrays you to other people.

You’ve also released both acoustic and live versions of the song – which is your favourite?

Aiden: To be honest, I feel both versions came from entirely different places. The acoustic version was more of a fluke, rather than something we intentionally planned to release, promote and make a full video around. I personally prefer playing the full band version, different energy to it if you know what I mean, I think the acoustic version also serves its purpose though.

Ollie: Full band version for me. I think something great happens when we play in a room together.

Speaking of live versions, I found it interesting that you’ve recently shared new songs ‘Dancing’ and ‘Happiest Day’ (live in session) but haven’t officially released these across streaming platforms. What made you decide to do this?

Aiden: We’re yet to find the footing for the tracks in the studio and have only ever thought of the songs in a live room setting with all of us playing off each other. Hopefully, they’ll make their way onto a streaming platform soon.

You’re supporting Et Al. in Glasgow for their tour in December. Are you excited to be playing to fellow Glaswegians?

Aiden: Love Glasgow crowds, whether we’re watching or playing a gig, I don’t think we ever fail to recognise and appreciate a Glasgow crowd, it’s just not the same anywhere else.

Ollie: Couldn’t agree more. Glasgow is our home city and always a great crowd to be in and to play to.

Who are some of your favourite rising artists at the moment?

Aiden: Personally, into a lot of up-and-coming music, recently been listening to bands such as Tooth, Saint Clair, Et Al and Basht, a lot of guitar-driven stuff.

Ollie: Wunderhorse, Gurriers, Bleech 9:3, Westside Cowboy, Saint Clair. I recently saw Gurriers for the first time in Sheffield with Aiden and immediately got it. Great band and great set.

Who are some of your musical inspirations?

Aiden: I draw heavy inspiration from 90s Grunge bands like Soundgarden, Alice In Chains and Nirvana. I think it’s undoubtedly part of our core sound. Reminiscent, nostalgic, heavy, weighted rhythms and meaningful melodies, just a healthy balance of anthems and dark tunes.

Ollie: I like a lot and would find it hard to pin it down to a few artists, but to name some: The Stone Roses, Longpigs, The Seahorses, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Hendrix, Deftones, The Cure, Early Coldplay, Nick Drake, Black Country New Road.

I remember hearing the start of ‘Sunglasses’ by Black Country, New Road for the first time and just being blown away. It changed the way I thought about guitar.

What else should we expect to come from Carnality?

Aiden: More gigs, more songs, more cities.
Ollie: What Aiden said…

Blast out Carnality’s debut single ‘Waste’ here

Come along for the ride by subscribing to the band’s mailing list for early access to new music and other exclusive info. MAILING LIST

See Carnality for their headline show at McChuills on 21st November (tickets here), or catch them live supporting Et Al. in Glasgow this December (tickets here)