If you like hardcore based punk with a metal edge, CARSEX are a group you need to hear. Hailing from Long Beach, CA., with Nigel Burk at the helm providing a diverse vocal display – these guys play like focused monsters, and that’s not always the case in punk rock. They bring variety on their latest EP release, ‘Human Interest.’ And that is what they do, explore topics about the human condition in 2025, on seven cuts of mostly heavy-handed pieces of music that show off their musical chops – punk or not. CARSEX cover an assortment of styles from 1979 to present, showing a range that most bands don’t have these days.
CARSEX came together from different bands, and they fit like a well-oiled machine with lots of musicianship and swagger to spare. “Sitting Ducks” starts it out with a bang to get what is basically a concept album going. It’s punk but it’s also a multitude of other things covering the subject of society watching itself burn and doing nothing about it. “Crooked Canvas” has more of a Jim Carroll vibe with a 90s twist, but that’s a good thing, especially for any punk fan who can recognize it. You don’t have to be of a certain age to appreciate the influence of their forebears.
“Beyond the Trees” has more of an alternative rock club sound to it, with an extraordinary left turn in tempo, and Burk pulls off his finest moment on ‘Human Interest’, IMHO. This is something you can listen to all day long without getting bored, so it rates high on my repeat list. Things cook back up with “Fuck This”, which rolls on strong like a freight train compared to “Beyond The Trees”, but works well to keep the momentum of the EP going, and is a hard rocking showcase for the band.
“Landmine” is the featured video track, and to my ears the most commercially accessible song on ‘Human Interest’. The video, directed by Chris Michael, uses colors and shades effectively in the imagery. Some fans of CARSEX might know it’s the follow up to their song “Your Lesson,” so it ties them back to the band’s earlier work. “Landmine” alone is worth the price of admission, but there’s so much more here to explore and absorb it’s worth describing every track for what it’s worth. Check out the video for more evidence, and there’s a lot more to watch on their YouTube channel.
“D.K.C.” is a little harder to wrap the head around, not lyrically, but musically it’s a bone crushing song full of instrumental bombast. As far as the lyrics go it explains why, and that’s because it’s about seeing school shooting’s depicted from a father’s point of view. And after all that, the rise and fall story of “Stella” the rock star is told, to take things out in style with one of the more interesting parts of ‘Human Interest’ – where they might’ve even saved the best for last. This ferocious set is worth your time, and shows these veterans at their best.
Mindy McCall
