caroline: Tiny Desk Concert

Lars Gotrich | May 3, 2023
London's caroline typically performs in a circle, a visual metaphor attuned to the connections made as members face each other. But in its Tiny Desk performance, the group adjusted its stage plot slightly for a new setting, still singing together of yearning, of fatigue, of kinship. Gusts of post-rock, emo, folk and minimalism sweep around the octet's sound, but the musical mish-mash isn't quite the point — caroline stresses a communal spirit, witnessed here in a beautiful set.

Over three songs performed from caroline's self-titled debut — one of NPR Music's 50 best albums of 2022 — strings skitter and swoon, guitars stutter and drum sticks roll atop the Tiny Desk itself. In sprawling arrangements and frenzied improvisations, this is impatient music that awaits patient ears. There's power and vulnerability in choral singing, where different kinds of voices aid and uplift the moment for something better. That's especially the case on "Dark blue," with a mournful-yet-triumphant chord progression you could sit inside forever, as the music shifts and shuffles over a bustling drone and the band offers a deceptively simple carpe diem: "I want it all."

SET LIST
"Good morning (red)"
"Dark blue"
"Skydiving onto the library roof"

MUSICIANS
Jasper Llewellyn: acoustic guitar, cello, drums, vocals
Mike O'Malley: electric guitar, vocals
Casper Hughes: electric guitar, vocals
Oliver Hamilton: violin
Magdalena McLean: violin, vocals
Freddy Wordsworth: trumpet, bass
Alex McKenzie: clarinet, flute, saxophone
Hugh Aynsley: drums, percussion

TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bob Boilen
Director/Editor: Kara Frame
Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin
Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Videographers: Kara Frame, Sofia Seidel, Alanté Serene, Catie Dull
Audio Assistant: Hannah Gluvna
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Maia Stern, Joshua Bryant, Marissa Lorusso, Hazel Cills, Ashley Pointer, Pilar Galván, Jill Britton
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

#tinydesk #nprmusic #caroline

[janices]

I'm new to Caroline. The band's dissonance is strangely compelling. Thanks for waking me up this morning with this introduction, Tiny Desk.

[alekprus]

One of the most incredible bands I've ever seen live. If you have the chance to see them, don't pass it up!

[jamesturner]

What an amazing band, pure feeling. If you can, spend an evening with their album- you won’t look back.

[gavinbeere]

Saw these guys at All Together now last year and they absolutely sent us to a different dimension. Remember 3 of us were lying down in the tent for the whole thing, transforming experience.

[paulmckenzie]

That's a big old bus and trailer or a fuggin' convoy of hired SUV's when the lads and lassies go on tour. Most pubs the audience would have to stand outside and listen through the windows!😂 Their sound is like watching fish in a pond... Glimpses of unity and a tune that swims back into the depths when it spots you listening. Oddly, compellingly enjoyable. Thanks 👍

[christianlesurfmusic]

I saw these guys support The Microphones in Hackney a couple years ago, one of the most visceral experiences of my life <3

[alfiewhite]

Saw caroline in Bristol, March 2022. It was an experience I hold very dear to me. Love this band.

[themastergland]

one of my fav albums from last year. so good!!! hope caroline get all the attention they deserve

[elsvaughn]

Its reminds me so much of the chamber music i used to play, just in their complete connection to one another and the simultaneous necessity to pay exclusive attn to ur own part, as well. I absolutely love them!

[graced]

I truly believe seeing Caroline live will continue to be one of the greatest privleges of my life.

[jeremystephens]

It's the sound of walking through a very busy rehearsal studio, passing many doors, with the music leaking out.

[alfieayling]

very serious contender for my favourite tiny desk

[jasperewingbaseball]

Good morning (red) 0:00
Dark blue 6:33
Skydiving onto the library roof 15:40

[simonmonty]

Usually not my cup of tea but this morning I felt it was a very special experience. One of a kind.

[zachjohnson]

One of my favorite albums from last year, such a talented group of people

[eugeniopremuda]

they remind me the magic of Lullaby for the working class! Miss that group so I'm really happy to listen to this one.

[curtis]

The anticipation at the end of the last song! 💕💕💕 really different style…I like it!

Thanks Tiny Desk for always delivering for us.

Thanks Caroline for sharing your music with us!

[mlbook]

Shout out the drummer for the Pop 2 hoodie, real recognize real 🔥

[maxmcmahan]

Wow they really capture a feeling and a sound that's difficult to put into words

[bozzninjaface]

With a name like caroline I was expecting you guys to be like a cross between Something Corporate and Jason Mraz or something I totally wouldn't have been very much interested in but I saw the word "dissonance " in the top comment, and so I thought to give it a listen. Glad I did. You guys are captivating. Great sound!