Latvian four-piece Carnival Youth have already gained a huge following in their home country, following the release of an EP and an LP and extensive European touring since their formation in 2012. Self-described as creating “lyrical songs and indie hits [that] embody [our] enthusiasm and love for music”, Roberts Vanags, Aleksis Lurins, Edgars Kaupers and Emils Kaupers have played a variety of stages from KOKO in London to Open’er Festival in Poland. The band’s latest venture, ‘Surf’ is a delicious slice of psychedelic garage pop with a melodic, summery yet familiar warmth that is nothing short of delightful.
Characterised by a modern Tame Impala-esque jangle whilst harking back to the classic indie pop of Squeeze’s ‘Up the Junction’, the band cites Temples as an influence, yet the subtle nod to sixties surf culture is undeniable. ‘Surf’ is a laid-back, feel-good track, as the chorus of “dandelion fluff flies through the air / and it’s caught up in your hair” is married with the impromptu jam of hazy discordant synths and guitar. The whole colourful ethos of Carnival Youth is encapsulated in the charm of their fun-filled video, with the DIY feel of comical scenes and striking shots filmed on tour, peppered with deliberately garish animation.
After the release of their sophomore album Propeller in April, Carnival Youth’s sun-drenched sounds emanating from the icy winters of Latvia surely signal more “countless hours of good good times” to come.
Words by Kristen Sinclair