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Album Release: Norwegian Folk duo Ask Carol Releases Second album "Act II-Desert Sky"

Photo Courtesy of Rogue PR

Edited by Anselm Anderson

Norwegian alt-pop duo Ask Carol has released their second album, titled AC II: Desert Sky, following an intensive and non-stop tour. The band has spent the past nine months performing across the U.S., Europe, the U.K., Norway, and beyond. The album began with their song "Desert," which is inspired by the vast and beautiful landscapes of the American Southwest. This track evokes a nostalgic feeling of dreaming, endless possibilities, and hopeful freedom. It serves as the backbone of the record, complemented by some reflective and contemplative tunes. Additionally, the album features a surprise from CowChella, which includes a blues track and even a cover song.

This album marks the end of an era for Ask Carol and captures their experiences over the past few years through ten songs. It features a range of styles, from the humorous and uplifting adaptations of their Backyard Jam and CowChella music, inspired by their viral social media videos, to the more serious and philosophical tracks "Cold July" and "Writing on the Wall." Ask Carol takes listeners on a journey rooted in a folk-rock and alternative indie style, incorporating elements such as trombones, vocal harmonies, electric guitars, and looping, while also embracing more acoustic sounds, like acoustic guitar, in contrast to their strictly electric debut album.

The album opens with the ethereal track "Desert." Its acoustic rock melodies are influenced by the wild west and inspired by the band's road trip across the Southwestern United States. Similarly, "Wind in My Hair" features soaring melodies and an acoustic charm, and it captures the essence of freedom.
'Cold July' is an acoustic song, inspired by activists like Greta Thunberg, whilst the short
 'Are You Leaving Us Here…'   blends 'Cold July' with 'Seasons' 'CowChell ' is inspired by the original jams, which went viral during the COVID-19 pandemic

'Writing On The Wall'  reflects on the events happening in the world today, drawing parallels between the stories of the band's grandparents and our current experiences. The song was written to coincide with the 80th anniversary of Norway's liberation from German occupation during World War II, which occurred on May 8th, 1945.
Also, this album features a Neil Young cover called 'Ohio' and the album's second acoustic track 'Seasons'


Ask Carol has already made a name for themselves on the international stage, touring in the US, Germany, the UK, Italy, the Philippines, Japan, South Korea, and Scandinavia, and performing official showcases at SXSW. They've also supported  The Brian Jonestown Massacre, amongst others, on tour. In August 2022 (and September 2023 on Vinyl), they released their highly anticipated debut album through their own indie label, ChoVan Records, to widespread acclaim from the press, including a 5/6 rating in Dagbladet, one of Norway's largest newspapers. 2025 will see Ask Carol embark on their first-ever European Tour, as well as the upcoming release of their highly anticipated second album in  November. Don't miss the chance to experience the unique and powerful sound of Ask Carol live in 2025. 

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