Carnavas
Carnavas is the debut studio album by the American alternative rock band Silversun Pickups, released on July 25, 2006, by Dangerbird Records.[1] The album marks the band's first full-length release following their 2005 EP Pikul, showcasing their signature shoegaze-influenced sound characterized by fuzzy guitars, driving bass lines, ethereal vocals, and dynamic builds.[2] Recorded primarily in Los Angeles studios such as Sunset Sound and the Sound Factory, it was produced by Dave Cooley and mixed by Tony Hoffer, capturing the band's raw energy from their live performances in a polished yet intense studio format.[1] [3] The album comprises eleven tracks, blending indie rock, noise pop, and dream pop elements, with standout songs like the hit single "Lazy Eye," which peaked at number 5 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart in 2007.[4] Other notable tracks include "Well Thought Out Twinkles" and "Future Foe Scenarios," contributing to the record's reputation for inventive song structures and emotional depth.[5] The title Carnavas derives from a surname on the Greek side of lead vocalist and guitarist Brian Aubert's family, reflecting personal heritage amid the band's Los Angeles origins.[6] Silversun Pickups, formed in 2002, consists of Aubert (guitar, vocals), Nikki Monninger (bass, backing vocals), Joe Lester (keyboards, percussion), and Christopher Guanlao (drums), whose chemistry is evident in the album's layered, atmospheric production.[1] Upon release, Carnavas received generally positive reviews for its ambitious sound and melodic hooks, though some critics noted its occasional lack of focus.[7] It achieved commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies in the United States and earning a gold certification from the RIAA on May 31, 2018.[8] [9] The album propelled the band to wider recognition, establishing them as key figures in the mid-2000s indie rock scene and influencing subsequent works like their 2009 follow-up Swoon.[10]Background
Conception
Carnavas serves as the debut studio album by the American alternative rock band Silversun Pickups, marking their first full-length release after the 2005 EP Pikul on Dangerbird Records.[11] The band, formed around 2000 in Los Angeles' Silver Lake neighborhood, had built a foundational presence through Pikul, which featured polished versions of live favorites and garnered initial attention in the local indie rock circuit.[12] This EP laid the groundwork for Carnavas by showcasing the band's noisy, shoegaze-influenced sound, setting the stage for a more expansive project.[13] The album's title, Carnavas, originates from lead guitarist and vocalist Brian Aubert's Greek family heritage; it is a variant of his grandparents' surname, adapted from the original Karavousanos upon their immigration to the United States.[14] Aubert selected the name to honor this personal connection, infusing the project with a sense of familial identity amid the band's rising profile. Conceived and developed between late 2005 and mid-2006, Carnavas emerged from the momentum of the band's early years in Los Angeles' vibrant indie rock scene, where they had performed hundreds of club shows at venues like Spaceland, earning organic buzz through a mix of transcendent and raw live performances.[12] This period of intense touring and local support, bolstered by Pikul's unexpected success, prompted the band to channel their evolving stage energy into a studio effort, balancing road commitments with recording sessions that began in October 2005.[15] The band intentionally expanded upon the EP's sound, aiming for a more metallic and futuristic aesthetic to distinguish the full-length release; Aubert noted that while Pikul retained a warmer, somewhat acoustic quality, Carnavas emphasized electric guitars, amp-driven distortion, and intricate sound mechanics for a bolder rock orientation.[15] This shift toward polished production techniques—such as layering multiple guitars and amps without pedals—reflected a conscious evolution, transforming live-inspired tracks into a cohesive, high-fidelity album that amplified their signature blend of distortion and melody.[15]Early promotion
Prior to the release of Carnavas on July 25, 2006, Silversun Pickups generated significant pre-release buzz through live performances, including their appearance at the 2006 South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas, on March 16, where they previewed several tracks from the upcoming album alongside material from their 2005 EP Pikul.[16] This performance, recorded by KEXP, contributed to growing industry attention and helped position the band as an emerging force in the indie rock scene.[17] The band's partnership with Dangerbird Records, initially established with the release of Pikul in July 2005, extended to Carnavas and provided a platform for strategic promotion, including a May 2006 in-studio session at KEXP where they debuted songs like "Lazy Eye" to radio audiences and bloggers.[11] This approach leveraged the dedicated fanbase cultivated by Pikul's limited run and critical acclaim, transforming early supporters into advocates for the full-length debut.[17] Promo copies of Carnavas were distributed to radio stations, press, and influencers in spring 2006, fostering anticipation through targeted outreach.[18] Early previews of tracks appeared in indie media outlets, such as Spin magazine's July 2006 feature, which highlighted the band's fuzzy, anthemic sound and offered a free MP3 download of "Well Thought Out Twinkles" to build hype.[19] These efforts emphasized the album's shoegaze-influenced style while avoiding overexposure, allowing organic word-of-mouth to amplify interest among alternative rock listeners. The title Carnavas derives from lead singer Brian Aubert's Greek family heritage.[20]Production
Recording
The recording of Carnavas took place over a four-month period concluding in February 2006 across multiple studios in Los Angeles, primarily at Beer Wine Fish in Echo Park and Sunset Sound in Hollywood, California, with additional sessions at Sound Factory, Grand Master, and Sandbox.[21][22] Producer Dave Cooley oversaw the sessions, emphasizing a production approach that preserved the band's raw indie rock essence while adding studio refinement to avoid an overly lo-fi or slick result.[23][10] Building on initial demos developed in 2005—some of which originated from the band's preceding Pikul EP—the tracklist was refined into full arrangements during these months, with particular attention to enhancing sonic textures.[2] Cooley's guidance focused on layering guitars to create a fuzzy, atmospheric blur reminiscent of the band's live performances, incorporating reverb for depth and echo effects on Brian Aubert's guitar tones to amplify their wrangling, dynamic quality.[7][23] Similarly, efforts were made to ensure Nikki Monninger's prominent bass lines cut through the dense guitar arrangements, maintaining driving grooves that anchored the indie sound.[24][25] One key challenge during recording was striking a balance between the band's energetic, unpolished live vibe and the polished studio environment, resulting in an album that captured mood-swinging crescendos without losing authenticity.[23] This process culminated in a CD runtime of 55:54, encompassing 11 tracks that showcased the refined yet visceral production.[22]Personnel
The album Carnavas credits the core Silversun Pickups lineup as performers: Brian Aubert (lead vocals, guitars), Nikki Monninger (bass, backing vocals), Christopher Guanlao (drums), and Joe Lester (keyboards, programming).[2][22] Production was led by Dave Cooley as producer.[5][22] Engineering duties were handled by Tom Biller, with additional engineering by Steven Rhodes and assistant engineering by Bill Mims and Andrew Alekel.[2][3][10] Mixing was performed by Tony Hoffer at Sunset Sound in Hollywood.[2][3] Mastering was completed by Stephen Marcussen.[2][3][26] A&R direction came from Jeff Castelaz and Peter Walker.[22] Booking was managed by Adam Voith at Billions Corporation.[22] For packaging, the artwork incorporated paintings by Darren Waterston, with layout design by Sara Cumings.[5][3] No guest musicians are credited on the album.[2][10]Composition
Musical style
Carnavas is primarily classified as an alternative rock album incorporating elements of shoegaze, noise pop, and dream pop.[2][27] The record draws heavily from 1990s influences, evoking the fuzzy, reverb-drenched soundscapes of My Bloody Valentine and the dynamic guitar-driven intensity of the Smashing Pumpkins.[7][27] Central to its sonic identity are the fuzzy, distorted guitars that create layered, web-like textures, often building from subtle chimes to insistent drones and explosive squalls.[7][27] Driving bass grooves provide a pulsating foundation, anchoring the ethereal vocals amid heavy reverb and production that emphasizes a wall-of-sound aesthetic.[24] The album features pronounced dynamic shifts, transitioning from hushed, introspective verses to roaring choruses that amplify its noisy, immersive quality.[27] Lead vocalist Brian Aubert's androgynous delivery, blending raw emo-inflected tones with occasional falsetto flourishes, adds a distinctive, gender-blurring edge to the mix, complemented by bassist Nikki Monninger's harmonizing contributions.[27][28] The overall runtime is approximately 55:55 for the standard CD edition. The original vinyl edition includes a bonus 7-inch single with two additional tracks, extending the total runtime to about 67:50.[10]Themes and songwriting
The lyrics of Carnavas predominantly explore themes of relationships, introspection, and urban alienation, often rendered through surreal and abstract imagery that evokes the disorienting underbelly of Los Angeles life. Brian Aubert, the band's primary songwriter, draws from personal experiences of emotional despondency and hidden realities, such as misdirected ambition and detachment in a sprawling cityscape, creating a sense of isolation amid chaos.[29] For instance, tracks like "Melatonin" delve into drug-fueled introspection with lines depicting a numbed, cyclical conversation after chemical indulgence, highlighting a broader motif of escapism in modern urban existence.[29] Aubert's songwriting process is deeply personal, rooted in revisiting dark emotions from his life without alteration to preserve authenticity, resulting in poetic yet ambiguous narratives that invite listener interpretation. He has noted that the vagueness is intentional, allowing audiences to infuse the songs with their own meanings, as "you’re not really going to know what those songs are about" unless intimately connected to his experiences.[30][15] Specific examples include "Lazy Eye," which examines obsession within unsure romantic connections, portraying hesitation over imperfections in a partner through metaphorically layered pleas for clarity. Similarly, "Well Thought Out Twinkles" addresses fleeting relationships as a rare, straightforward love song on the album, though its abstract phrasing often leads to misinterpretations of apocalyptic dread rather than intimate vulnerability.[30][29] Most songs on Carnavas adhere to a 4-6 minute structure, featuring gradual builds from subdued verses to explosive climaxes that mirror the thematic tension of internal conflict, without venturing into explicit political commentary. This approach enhances the album's unique poetic ambiguity, where surreal lyrics—such as fragmented observations of scars and integrated lights—complement the dreamy, shoegaze-influenced delivery, fostering an immersive, interpretive experience.[29][15]Release
Commercial release
Carnavas was released on July 25, 2006, by the independent label Dangerbird Records in the United States. Internationally, distribution was handled by Sire Records in Europe and Australia, with additional partnerships including MapleMusic Recordings in Canada and Canyon International in Japan. The album launched amid growing anticipation from the band's earlier EP promotions and live performances, which had built a dedicated following in the indie rock scene. It was initially available in CD and vinyl formats, alongside digital downloads through services like iTunes, marking an early adoption of multiple distribution channels for the debut full-length. Special promotional efforts including in-store events at independent retailers to engage fans and boost initial sales.Singles
The singles from Carnavas were released progressively starting in early 2007 to build momentum for the album following its launch on July 25, 2006. Issued mainly in digital download and promotional CD formats, they received radio airplay on alternative stations, with accompanying music videos enhancing visibility for select tracks.[31][3] "Lazy Eye" served as the lead single, released in February 2007. It achieved significant airplay success, peaking at number 5 on the US Alternative Songs chart.[32] An official music video was produced to promote the track, featuring abstract visuals aligned with the band's shoegaze aesthetic.[33] "Future Foe Scenarios" followed as the second single on May 21, 2007. Available digitally and as a promotional CD, it received moderate alternative radio support but did not chart prominently. "Well Thought Out Twinkles" was issued on July 2, 2007, also in digital and promo formats. The track peaked at number 9 on the US Alternative Songs chart, marking another top-10 entry for the band.[34] Its music video emphasized the song's energetic riffing and layered production.[35] "Little Lover’s So Polite" appeared as the fourth and final single on February 12, 2008. Released digitally, it extended the album's promotion into the following year with focus on its driving rhythm and lyrical wit, though it garnered less chart impact than prior releases.[36]Packaging
Artwork
The cover art for Carnavas is derived from Darren Waterston's 2004 oil painting Summit, an abstract work on wood panel depicting ethereal, organic forms in earthy tones that evoke a dreamy, geological, and botanical atmosphere resonant with the album's indie rock soundscape.[37] The inlay design, titled Becoming Tree and also by Waterston, features a minimalist layout with integrated band photographs, emphasizing themes of growth and natural transformation through its botanical imagery.[22][38] The artwork direction and packaging were handled by the Dangerbird Records in-house team, with Waterston credited for the core visual elements.[22] Vinyl editions include a gatefold sleeve that incorporates additional interior panels displaying expanded elements from Waterston's paintings, distinguishing them from the standard CD packaging.[3]Formats
Carnavas was initially released in standard CD format featuring 11 tracks housed in traditional jewel case packaging by Dangerbird Records in the United States on July 25, 2006, with subsequent international editions by labels such as Sire in Europe and MapleMusic in Canada.[3] The vinyl edition is a double LP pressed on 180-gram audiophile vinyl, including the core 11 tracks plus a bonus 7-inch single with the exclusive tracks "Mercury" and "Table Scraps," originally issued in 2006 and reissued in various colored variants through 2024.[39][40] Digital versions of the album, available on platforms like iTunes and Spotify, mirror the standard CD tracklist of 11 songs and have been accessible since the original release, providing high-quality streaming without physical packaging.[41] In 2018, the album achieved gold certification from the RIAA for sales exceeding 500,000 units, though no major reissues or remasters occurred by 2025; instead, anniversary celebrations, such as the 18th in 2024, emphasized ongoing streaming availability across services.[42][43]Track listing
Standard edition
The standard edition of Carnavas, released on CD and digital formats by Dangerbird Records in 2006, consists of 11 tracks with a total runtime of 55:54 and no bonus tracks. All tracks were written by Silversun Pickups members Brian Aubert, Nikki Monninger, Christopher Guanlao, and Joe Lester.[3][22]| No. | Title | Duration | Writer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Melatonin" | 4:04 | Aubert, Monninger, Guanlao, Lester |
| 2 | "Well Thought Out Twinkles" | 4:02 | Aubert, Monninger, Guanlao, Lester |
| 3 | "Checkered Floor" | 4:51 | Aubert, Monninger, Guanlao, Lester |
| 4 | "Little Lover's So Polite" | 4:58 | Aubert, Monninger, Guanlao, Lester |
| 5 | "Future Foe Scenarios" | 5:20 | Aubert, Monninger, Guanlao, Lester |
| 6 | "Waste It On" | 4:13 | Aubert, Monninger, Guanlao, Lester |
| 7 | "Lazy Eye" | 5:54 | Aubert, Monninger, Guanlao, Lester |
| 8 | "Rusted Wheel" | 6:00 | Aubert, Monninger, Guanlao, Lester |
| 9 | "Dream At Tempo 119" | 4:52 | Aubert, Monninger, Guanlao, Lester |
| 10 | "Three Seed" | 5:40 | Aubert, Monninger, Guanlao, Lester |
| 11 | "Common Reactor" | 6:01 | Aubert, Monninger, Guanlao, Lester |
Vinyl edition
The vinyl edition of Carnavas was released concurrently with the compact disc version on July 25, 2006, through Dangerbird Records as a double LP package.[44] This format includes the standard 11-track listing spread across four sides, supplemented by a bonus 7-inch single featuring two exclusive tracks not available on the CD: "Mercury" (5:38) and "Table Scraps" (6:18).[44] The double LP sides are arranged to optimize playback, with Side A containing "Melatonin," "Well Thought Out Twinkles," "Checkered Floor," and "Little Lover's So Polite"; Side B featuring "Future Foe Scenarios," "Waste It On," and "Lazy Eye"; Side C including "Rusted Wheel" and "Dream At Tempo 119"; and Side D closing with "Three Seed" and "Common Reactor."[44] The bonus 7-inch adds Side E ("Mercury") and Side F ("Table Scraps"), resulting in a total runtime of 67:51.[44] The original 2006 pressing was produced as a limited run, with later re-presses issued in various colored vinyl variants, such as brown/white in 2015 and sea glass green in 2019, to meet ongoing demand.[3] Distinctive elements of the vinyl release include a gatefold sleeve that allows for a larger reproduction of the album's artwork, providing an enhanced visual experience compared to other formats.[45][46]Critical reception
Upon its release, Carnavas received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised its energetic shoegaze-influenced sound and melodic hooks, though some noted its derivative elements and occasional lack of cohesion. On aggregate site Album of the Year, the album holds a critic score of 66 out of 100, based on 9 reviews.[47] AllMusic's Eduardo Rivadavia awarded it 4 out of 5 stars, describing it as a "blistering collection of fuzzy guitars and ethereal vocals" that captures the band's live intensity in the studio.[10] IGN gave a highly positive review, rating it 9.1 out of 10 and highlighting the "wicked distortion and beastly guitar effects" that showcase the band's skills.[48] Pitchfork was more mixed, assigning a score of 5.0 out of 10. The review commended the album's "dreamlike aural shrouds" and appeal to fans of 1990s alternative rock like the Smashing Pumpkins, particularly on tracks like "Lazy Eye," but criticized it as "too unfocused, too rambly, too boring to make any lasting impression," with lyrics that often seemed incomprehensible or overly melodramatic.[7] PopMatters echoed some reservations, noting the lack of original ideas but praising the band's vitality and performance.[27] Other outlets, such as The Guardian, highlighted its sweeping melodies and light touch reminiscent of Ultra Vivid Scene, while the BBC called it an "OK album" with great noise but ultimately unremarkable.[49][50]Commercial performance
Charts
Carnavas achieved moderate success on several international music charts following its release. In the United States, the album debuted on the Billboard 200 during the week of August 12, 2006, eventually peaking at number 80 in March 2007.[51] It also reached number 1 on the Independent Albums chart and number 1 on the Heatseekers Albums chart.[52][53] Internationally, the album peaked at number 65 on the Australian ARIA Albums Chart in July 2007. In Belgium, it reached number 84 on the Ultratop Flanders Albums Chart.[54] The album's singles also performed well on rock-oriented charts. "Lazy Eye" peaked at number 5 on the US Alternative Airplay chart in April 2007.[55] "Well Thought Out Twinkles" followed, reaching number 9 on the same chart in January 2008.[55]| Chart (2006–2008) | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 | 80[51] |
| US Independent Albums (Billboard) | 1[53] |
| US Heatseekers Albums (Billboard) | 1[52] |
| Australian Albums (ARIA) | 65 |
| Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders) | 84[54] |
| US Alternative Airplay (Billboard) – "Lazy Eye" | 5[55] |
| US Alternative Airplay (Billboard) – "Well Thought Out Twinkles" | 9[55] |