Est. 2005, Carpenter has risen from the remains of Vancouver bands All State Champion, By A Thread and Daggermouth. The four piece combine their own influences, and create a band which has that simply ‘classic’ feel, along with a DIY mentality, which are both evident in 2010’s Sea To Sky. This classic feel could be pin pointed to vocalist/guitarist Daniel Sioui’s (formally of All State Champion) admiration of John Mellencamp & Bruce Springsteen, and the DIY sound and attitude points the finger at Texas Is the Reason and Hot Water Music; all artists and bands that Carpenter single out themselves.

The first element I am greeted with when listening to this 10 track album is unique and distinguishable vocals. Bam! The first box in the list of essentials is quickly ticked in 4 seconds, and many more are shaded in, in just over half an hour. Sioui showcases his strong vocal ability on album opener “Mean Things’, in the form of  “and you don’t have to say those mean things”. He is quickly and effectively joined by guitars as finishes this line before a full band kicks in. The song is a perfect opener for the band’s second release due to it’s catchy hooks and stand out infectious vocals which randomly jump in your head and pressure you to belt them out almost uncontrollably, which depending on your whereabouts and vocal skills, could be embarrassing.

“Common Law” follows suit and continues with the perfect sing-a-long element which I personally love. Its chorus is possibly the catchiest on the record, and steals ones attention when female vocals from Debra Jean Creelman kick in, providing excellent chemistry with the tones of Sioui’s range. A few lines of gang vocals are added for a call and response effect and well, “Common Law” is the complete package.
A change of pace is apparent in “Just Another Friday Night”, showcasing a country element (credit to the Mellencamp influence here). However the less punk embarrassed song still flows effectively with previous and following songs, and clearly shows the diversity that Carpenter is capable of perfecting.

Dominate punk influence is restored with “Long Hard Day” through to the pace varied “Separate”, creating a highly enjoyable 13 minutes of quirky and excitable Carpenter, before again mellowing out for “Joan”, Sea to Sky’s ballad about a girl. (‘Oh Joan if I had just the chance to say that I’d give up my whole life so it wouldn’t have to end this way.’) This combination of mellow and fiery songs presents Carpenter as a band who appear to be conscious of the fact that variation is essential. By being aware to this, the band avoids a 33 minute album that, to the untrained ear, could more so feel like a 33 minute song. This is a clever move which creates a record that is simply easy to listen to.

Closer “I Put My Heart In Everything” could be seen as a motto for Sioui, who really does put his heart and soul into this band, and sings with such emphasis and passion.

Sea To Sky is constructed with solid energy, heart & thought and although it will not be a record that reaches great heights and popularity, those that do take the time to listen will find many aspects they can connect with and appreciate.