Laura Carbone - “The Good”

Photo by Helen Sobiralski

Berlin-based Laura Carbone has returned to us with “The Good,” the latest single from her forthcoming double-LP, The Cycle. We first became enamored with Carbone’s work back in August, when she sent us “Horses,” and we have been looking forward to more of her music ever since. We are, therefore, very pleased to say that “The Good” was most certainly worth the wait.

Carbone begins this tune with a delicate vocal performance  shining over the sparse strums of an acoustic guitar. Soft keys churn in the distance and a bit of bass joins to provide some lift. It is not long before the the drum kit emerges, offering a heartbeat to the track as it gently propels the arrangement forward. It is here where Carbone effortlessly drifts into her remarkable falsetto, raising the roof of this epic production and reminding us of why we became fans of hers in the first place.

Multiple layers of vocals soon manifest, wrapping their hymn-like magic around the song’s subject matter, which appears to consider emotional turbulence as a means of transformation. It should come as no surprise that this vibe deeply resonates with us, as we unabashedly cater toward the darker end of the human experience, often favoring tunes that offer an introspective journey through the perils of mental health. And when you combine this with Carbone’s distinct craft for songwriting, it makes for one hell of a listening experience.

The song’s midpoint is marked by a dynamically stripped-back, shimmering guitar-driven metamorphosis, inviting listeners into a more sparse arrangement that reveals the true beauty of Carbone’s vocal layering. This shift presents a dramatic change in direction and begs to be heard live, as the ensuing crescendo would very likely level an entire sea of music lovers. “The Good“ isn’t just an amazing tune– it is a true work of art and we simply cannot wait until April 24th, when we can hear the rest of the 13-song double LP, The Cycle.

-HD