Victory Records welcomes Carousel Kings to their roster. The Lancaster, Pennsylvania band has anchored their name as one of the most ambitious and creative pop/rock/punk machines in recent years. Earlier this month, long-time supporter Alternative Press brought you the premiere of the video for ‘Bad Habit,’ from the full length “Charm City” which hits earth on February 10th, 2017. The video can be seen below.
“Signing with Victory is an amazing accomplishment for us,” says singer David Alexander. “We’ve grown up listening to Victory bands, and we have friends that are on the label. Signing with them has just made us feel really valued and wanted. After meeting the whole crew, we definitely feel the mutual respect and look forward to doing great things with Victory!”
Carousel Kings was founded by Alexander in 2008, and it was a couple of years until this group of friends started to really focus on the band as a nationally touring act. The band released their debut album “A Slice of Heaven”on CI Records in 2012, followed by an EP “Road Warrior” later that year. A couple other EPs and singles followed on CI, and their tenure with the label culminated in the release of the highly celebrated second full-length album “Unity” in 2014. Soon thereafter, the Carousel Kings were truly united with the permanent addition of bassist Cody Williams and New Jersey natives Will Barovick on guitar and Danny Wilkins on drums.
Since then it’s been a non-stop road trip for Carousel Kings as the band toured extensively, performing with Panic! At The Disco, Less Than Jake, Rise Against, City Lights, and the 2015 Vans Warped Tour to name a few.
When Carousel Kings were thinking of a title for album number three, they wanted to find a name that was tranquil, yet matches their glossy pop melodies and arena-sized hooks. Charm City is about that dream place, a trippy world shared by all, yet unique to the individual. “This is the place where I go in my dreams,” says Alexander. “I want to connect the listener to my ‘Charm City’, and realize that they too can envision and live in their own ‘Charm City’ whenever they want to.”
“In the video, ‘Bad Habit’ is conveyed as a mid-life crisis,” explains Alexander. “It’s about realizing your mistakes and that you’re the only one in control of your destiny, so make it count. Here, a guy loves his car and is persuaded by his girlfriend to sell it. Deep in regret, he impulsively decides to steal it back. Do what you do for yourself, and not what you think will make someone else happy.”
The concept behind the artwork was envisioned by famed visual designer Archan Nair, known for his collaborations with Kanye West and Lindsay Lohan. On the album cover, Alexander states, “The idea is a floating emerald city meets Neverland meets an Atlantis type place. A place you always have the urge to go back to because as beautiful as it is, the mystery is forever and it’s an everlasting escape. There is only one road to the city, and it’s in YOU.”
The first run of dates have been released as Carousel Kings will be on the road in support of “Charm City” throughout 2017.
“Charm City” Track Listing:
1. Grey Goose
2. Glory Daze
3. Here, Now, Forever
4. Bad Habit
5. Something Isn’t Right
6. Hate Me, Love Me
7. Charm City
8. Dynamite
9. Unconditionally
10. Fractals
11. Punch Drunk
12. Fool’s Gold
13. You Never Will
“Charm City” will be available everywhere February 10th, 2017.
Pre-orders are available at Amazon, Apple Music, Spotify, VictoryMerch.com, and include an instant download of ‘Bad Habit.’
Upcoming Shows:
Dec 08 The Oak Tavern Vineland, NJ
Dec 09 Raven Inn Towson, MD
Dec 10 Fete Music Hall Providence, RI
Dec 11 Goldsounds Brooklyn, NY
Dec 12 Jewel Nightclub Manchester, NH
Dec 13 Koto Salem, OR
Dec 14 Adriano’s Pizza Johnson City, TN
Dec 15 The Ritz Warren, MI
Dec 17 The Wire Berwyn, IL
Dec 19 The Smiling Buddah Toronto, Canada
Dec 20 Don Cherry’s Sports Grill Kingston, Canada
Dec 21 L’Hémisphère Gauche Montréal, Canada
Dec 22 Leaky B’s LaVa Lounge Ottawa, Canada
Weblinks: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Video below: ‘Bad Habit’