Carousel

Description

Carousel, the fifth album by Mark Scott under the name villagerrr, opens a dynamic chapter in his discography. This record oscillates between slowcore and shoegaze, between intimate folk and electrifying rock, crafted for long distances. The boldest and most subtle album to date from the Ohio-born singer-songwriter, Carousel deeply explores the difficulty of creating sincere art in a hyper-exposed and oppressive era. The powerful songs rooted in the American Midwest, driven by the band's roots, resonate with a deep desire to find lasting meaning in a world saturated with consumer products. Composed over two years, this album allowed Scott to nurture the collaborative spirit of his previous work, Tear Your Heart Out (2024). The latter led to tours with Real Estate, Greg Freeman, and Momma, a contract with the Winspear label, and a recent deluxe reissue, attracting an ever-wider audience and new collaborators. Carousel brings together emerging folk and indie rock artists, Scott's peers, such as Boone Patrello from Teethe, h. pruz, and Carolina Chauffe from Hemlock. The album was mixed by Scott himself after listening to demos during long car rides or while running. With his keen ear, capable of capturing both the tiniest details and vast soundscapes, listening to villagerrr feels like scrutinizing the prairie grasses to discover the wildlife hidden within, then suddenly standing up to behold the splendor of an approaching storm. Carousel reflects a healthy skepticism towards the current world, but also proves that by lowering one's guard and reaching out to others, one can forge relationships of exceptional creative richness and lay the foundations for a deeply and authentically livable life.