Here’s a track-by-track of Panama Red’s new EP, Carnivore. 

Caleb Corrill – Vocals
Kyle Steffen – Drums
Nick Spencer – Guitar
Boogie J. Lesse - Bass/Vocals
Colin Fien – Guitar
 

Oriental Express

Starting off with a nice groove, smooth vocals followed by a catchy lead riff and solid rhythm guitar, Oriental Express is an excellent opener and displays this bands talent and growth. The lead and rhythm guitars shine though this song and as it goes on you see improvement in every aspect of the band; songwriting, musicianship, structure, production- everything has a nice finished feel. In the last 40 or so seconds you get to hear Boogie (Clean vocals) soar singing the lyrics

I don’t think there’s a way out,
but if there was it’s me they’d never tell

This is song sets a high standard for the rest of the EP that, the do not fail to meet.


Carnivore

The eponymous track, Carnivore starts out with a calm, math like bass-line and equally as intricate guitar part. This song also showcases the great production PR recieved on this EP which works to their advantage. Every member holds their own in this song. This is one of, if not the best song on the EP, showcasing how the band has come together to create something truly special. One thing, that really stands out in this song are Caleb’s (improved)screams and how well balanced they are with Boogie’s clean ones, which shine on the chorus. Makes for quite an enjoyable experience, also Caleb’s screams are relatively easy to understand, which give a accessible aspect to their music.


Time Bomb!

An endearing song with lyrics about growing up, self and society and self-discovery.

It’s kind of funny how as a kid all I ever wanted was to just get older, but when I grew up this world would just grow colder

Here Kyle’s drumming creates and excellent backbone to the song, along with solid rhythm & lead guitar and use of gang vocals. In fact, to me, this song sounds the most like their previous material as Jovian, which is not a bad thing.


Pretend Listener

As I go into this song, the intro makes me me think Fall of Troy; Caleb and Boogie work together excellently in this song. Pretend Listener has what seem like the most introspective lyrics on the EP and together with the soaring tremolos, and key change in the climax of the song, really paint a picture in your head.


Bulletproof Tiger

Probably the heaviest of all of the songs, Bulletproof Tiger is the highest energy song on the EP and keeps the listener interested right before monotony has a chance to sit it in. All band members once again carry their weight. Nick and Colin are excellent on guitar, Kyle once again provides and excellent backbone with his drumming and Boogie bass provides an enjoyable low-end. Caleb screams for a majority of the song, then Boogie comes in clean vocals, giving an excellent performance and giving a great climax to the song.


Interlude

As the title says, Interlude bridges Bulletproof Tiger and the closer, Fangs. It’s a slower track that serves as a good break between the two and features a female singer singing along with Boogie. An alright track and serves it’s purpose well.


Fangs

My personal favorite off the EP, an over all fun song and excellent closer, Fangs has everything I have come to love about this band: lyrics, their scream/clean structure and musicianship. After an upbeat intro, Caleb comes in screaming over an extremely infectious guitar and then Boogie sings over a sexy bass line and then the chorus comes in which is screamed by Caleb. The last minute ends this song and EP on a great note with Caleb screaming and Boogie singing at the same time.


Formerly known as Jovian, Panama Red’s Carnivore EP is a great way to start off. An engaging EP from beginning to end, already strides better than where they had previously started with Jovian especially with songwriting and production. With what seems like a more focused sound and with mounds of potential, hopefully Panama Red will continue to grow, release more music and get the recognition they deserve.