Carsie Blanton, So Ferocious

Carsie Blanton is back, and she’s got something to prove.

This cheeky, edgy, fresh new album titled So Ferocious showcases Blanton more authentic than ever- and not afraid to show it. Her New Orleans influence is in full swing, as well as a new experiment in synthesized sounds and distortion. In addition to a great new sound, there’s a trending topic on this album about overcoming other people’s negativity and being yourself. It’s obvious that Blanton is growing into the steamy songstress she was always meant to become.

There are two main components of So Ferocious that both compliment and challenge each other. The first is Blanton’s unmistakable love for The Big Easy. With brass, honky tonk piano and snare drums blazing you can almost feel yourself in the middle of a parade on the first track “Hot Night”. Immediately after, “Vim and Vigor” could be mistaken for a piece written for the ’20s speakeasy scene. “Fever Dream” takes us to the other side of the night, where the lack of a distinct beat and crooning phrases sound like the musical representation of heat itself.

On the flip side, we’re faced with the curious addition of electronic instrumentation and even environmental sounds like birds, traffic and the low roar of a crowd (or a lion). This is something new for Blanton, who’s previous work had simple and traditional instrumentation. “Scoundrel” has an electric piano solo, and “So Ferocious” sees the two styles collide into a Firefly-esque world of wild west meets the space age.

Most importantly however, Blanton continues her reign as a master of the written word. She creates amazing friction with songs like “Fat and Happy” and “The Animal I Am”, where the tune and overall feel is light but the subject matter is anything but. “Fat and Happy” is about seeking karmic revenge on a non-believer when she’s “fat and happy and hitting it big.” With lines like “I say you better go drink your gin because your words might be bitter when you eat them again”, you know Blanton isn’t messing around. In “The Animal I Am”, she laments the past and trying to cater her image and herself to what others expected of her. Her response? “Ain’t no use to try and hide the animal I am.”

You are an animal Carsie; you’re one ferocious beast. I, for one, can’t wait to see what comes next out of this lioness’ jaws!

Rating: Bad-Ass