Laugh Again
by Ev Carm
Ev Carm, Courtesy of Donal Talbot
Ev Carm, courtesy of Donal Talbot and Clare F Lyons
After years of self-releasing compilations of home demos, oncescrapped singles, sporadic live appearances (made at the instence of friends) – the Limerick born, Kildare bred, Stonybatter based, perpetual ‘blow-in’ Ev Carm has at last committed to on official release. His debut single, released on the fledgling independent label andfriends records, was recorded in his apartment with equipment that was either borrowed, or damaged in a fire some years ago - which he never had the heart to replace. It showcases Ev’s deft ear and obsession with texture and layering. It boasts both sonic breadth and depth, leaving a listener feeling like they’re being lowered into air that has become thicker – tangible somehow. Lyrically, Ev draws inspiration from the distortion and subjectivity of memory while revisiting a theme of separation – a linchpin of his more recent work. Laugh Again is a fitting first release for andfriends, not simply borne of his long-standing friendship and working relationship with label founder and creative director Rafino Murphy (Uly, INNRSPACE). It reflects Ev’s passion and love of working within the local artistic community. For example, the track was mastered by Ev’s childhood friend, longtime musical collaborator and producer Adam Garrett (Adam Garrett, Native, INNRSPACE), visually brought to life by close friend and fine artist Peggie McKeown, both of whom have ties to the independent experimental label/art collective family Bad Soup Records – run by McKeown’s partner Eric Fitzgerald (Quasi) alongside Adam Smith (Tribal Dance) & Cillian Byrne (Acid Granny).
andfriends, courtesy of Rafino Murphy
You can follow more of Ev’s work on his instagram here. Keep up to date with andfriends releases here.
Images are courtesy of Donal Talbot and Clare F Lyons. Text by Rafino Murphy.