Modesty Blaise from Bristol, who have existed in different forms since 1993, are now releasing the 25th anniversary remastered edition of their “Melancholia” album. And “Carol Mountain” stands as another one single off this great indie art pop album. There is something intelligently beautiful about “Carol Mountain”. It feels like a song coming from the past, drifting somewhere between dream-pop haze and baroque pop elegance, yet never losing its emotional value, a reminder of how special this band really was—and still is. From the onset, “Carol Mountain” shows all the The Beatles and The Beach Boys influences of Modesty Blaise, who know how to take, how to create and how to blend. They don’t reinvent art pop, but form a sound, which integrates so many different, eclectic styles. Jonny Collins’ vocals have a vital role here – he sings with emotion, with a nostalgic tone that fits perfectly with the song’s dreamy, melancholic character. The instrumentation is also delicate, rich and inspired – just listen to the classical pop bridge in the middle of the song and you will understand how this band really knows how to push boundaries and go much further than their British pop contemporaries! The production, especially in this updated version, helps bring out details that might have been hidden before. Everything sounds clearer, yet the original spirit remains untouched. In my opinion, this is one of those songs that proves Modesty Blaise deserved more attention. “Carol Mountain” may not be too loud or flashy, but it stays with you—and nothing else matters.
♦ 8,5/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
