The London-based eight-piece band caroline has announced their sophomore album, ‘caroline 2’, set for release on May 30. The band also shared a new single, ‘Tell me I never knew that’, featuring guest vocals by Caroline Polachek. The album was developed over 18 months through various writing sessions across the UK, with the majority of the recording taking place at Big Jelly Studios in Ramsgate.
It was produced by band members Jasper Llewellyn, Casper Hughes, and Mike O’Malley, with engineering by Syd Kemp. Jason Agel handled the mixing, and Heba Kadry mastered the album in New York City. Caroline has announced additional tour dates, including performances in Japan, various European cities in September, and an appearance at Rough Trade East, in addition to the previously announced UK tour.
Full details for the tour dates are expected to follow. The launch single ‘Tell me I never knew that’ features an accompanying video self-shot by Caroline Polachek and the band. The band shared that the main riff, written by Casper on acoustic guitar, stood out as a catchy, bouncy, and hypnotic element.
They thought the melody sounded like something Caroline Polachek might sing, and to their surprise, she agreed to collaborate when they asked her. Caroline’s second album builds on the sound of their 2022 self-titled debut, exploring more complex, interlocking guitar patterns and new thematic grounds.
Caroline Polachek’s surprise collaboration
The album represents a more intentional and cohesive effort compared to their first record. The band was formed in 2017 by founding members Casper Hughes, Jasper Llewellyn, and Mike O’Malley, who began playing together at university in Manchester before moving to London. The lineup eventually expanded to include trumpeter and bassist Freddy Wordsworth, violinists Magdalena McLean and Oliver Hamilton, percussionist Hugh Aynsley, and multi-instrumentalist Alex McKenzie.
Their debut album received high praise, featuring in The Quietus and Loud & Quiet magazine’s Top 5 Albums of 2022 and being cited as one of the Top 10 New Artists by Rolling Stone magazine. The album tracklisting includes:
1. Total euphoria
2.
Tell me I never knew that
3. When I get home
4. U R UR ONLY ACHING
5.
Coldplay cover
6. Two riders down
7. Beautiful ending
Caroline’s announcement cements their place as a pivotal band in the contemporary music scene, with ‘caroline 2’ poised to expand their musical boundaries and global presence.
