On caroline 2, caroline weaves folk and rock into a richly textured soundscape, laced with symphonic undertones, resulting in a boldly experimental album and one of 2025’s clear standouts.
caroline 2 is the second album by UK band caroline—try guessing what their debut might’ve been titled. The album was released in May 2025.
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Bass Clarinet
Electric Guitar, Vocals
Trombone
Drums
Vocals
Vocals
Violin
Electric Guitar
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This intro feels like a butterfly breaking its way out of a cocoon. The track starts calmly enough with the “if you let them” vocals hitting sparingly before gradually metamorphosing into a modest mayhem around its last couple of seconds.
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Bass Clarinet
Electric Guitar, Vocals
Trombone
Drums
Vocals
Vocals, Viola
Violin
Electric Guitar, Snare Drum, Percussion
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“Please... don’t be unkind.” More uneasiness with the instrumentals, but nothing to hate. It’s all worked into the track neatly enough.
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Vocals, Primary Artist
Bass Clarinet, Saxophone
Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Vocals, Trumpet
Drums
Vocals, Cymbals
Vocals
Violin
Electric Guitar
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Oh God. What was in the air this year? The Caroline Polachek on a caroline album? I love the way her voice pairs beautifully with almost anything. The band definitely didn’t come to play on this track either: they’ve thrown in a fleet of more restless horns now that sustain engagement brilliantly. Then there’s practically nothing to hate about the ear-candy “it always has been / it always will be” outro. Sheesh.
Show Track Credits
Bass Clarinet, Choir
Electric Guitar, Vocals, Choir
DJ, Choir
Vocals, Trombone, Choir
Drums, Choir
Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Choir
DJ
Vocals, Viola
Violin
Choir
Choir
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Choir
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Banjo, Synthesizer, Choir
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“When I get home, I might just ask what you need to.” Not entirely sure what ran through my ears with this one, but I like it.
Show Track Credits
Bass Clarinet, Choir
Electric Guitar, Vocals, Choir
Vocals, Bass Guitar, Choir
Drums
Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Vocals
Vocals
Choir
Choir
Choir
Choir
Choir
Choir
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
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The mayhem is toned down on “U R UR ONLY ACHING” for a modest showcase of guitar work blessed with frequent production interruptions. The track maintains the overall flow of the project decently.
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Bass Clarinet
Vocals, Guitar
Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Vocals
Acoustic Guitar
Vocals
Banjo
Primary Artist
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It’s not an actual Coldplay cover but an enjoyable track no less.
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Bass Clarinet
Electric Guitar, Vocals
Bass Guitar
Drums
Vocals, Guitar
Viola
Violin
Electric Guitar, Vocals
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Composer, Lyricist
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The experimentation returns gradually with “Two riders down.” There’s an enjoyable audio battle between the folksy and rock elements.
Show Track Credits
Bass Clarinet
Acoustic Guitar
Trombone
Vocals, Cello
Vocals, Viola
Violin
DJ
Snare Drum, Guitar
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What a “beautiful ending” indeed.
Overall, caroline 2 is definitely one of 2025’s standout releases in the experimental folk-rock lane. Some tracks drag on a bit longer than they need to, but it’s never to the point of complete exhaustion. Everything put together works brilliantly to create a listen that is equal parts calming and hair-raising.
Show Album Credits
Bass Clarinet, Saxophone, Choir
Electric Guitar, Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Choir, Guitar
Trombone, Vocals, Trumpet, Choir, Bass Guitar
Drums, Choir
Vocals, Cymbals, Acoustic Guitar, Choir, Guitar, Cello
Vocals, Viola
Violin, Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Electric Guitar, Snare Drum, Percussion, Banjo, Synthesizer, Choir, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Guitar
Primary Artist
Vocals, Primary Artist
DJ, Choir
DJ
Choir
Choir
Choir
Choir
Choir
Choir
Choir
Choir
Choir
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