B-Side Guys

Richmond, Virginia’s Carbon Leaf returns after a decade-long album hiatus with “Time is the Playground,” a 12-track, 37-minute exploration of nostalgia, personal growth, and the relentless march of time. Released on September 26, 2024, this fifteenth studio effort from the indie rock veterans showcases their enduring strengths and musical craftsmanship.

The album opens with its title track, a sun-dappled acoustic number that sets the tone for what’s to come. Barry Privett’s distinctive vocals, weathered yet warm, invite listeners into a world where the present moment is both celebrated and scrutinized. The refrain “make sure I’m warm before I fade” encapsulates the album’s central theme: embracing life while acknowledging its transience.

“Backmask 1983,” the album’s lead single, is a nostalgic tour de force that will resonate deeply with Gen X listeners. Blending arena rock power chords with spacey synths, the track name-checks a laundry list of ’80s touchstones, from Farrah Fawcett posters to the Challenger explosion. It’s a fun, energetic romp through shared cultural memories that sets the stage for the album’s reflective journey.

The band’s musicianship shines throughout the album. Terry Clark’s guitar work is as crisp and emotive as ever, particularly on “You and Me,” a ballad that builds from melancholy introspection to a soaring, harmony-rich chorus. Jon Markel’s bass lines provide a solid foundation, while Jesse Humphrey’s drumming adds both subtlety and power where needed.

“Love for Sale” and “Me and Mick” showcase Carbon Leaf’s knack for storytelling, with Privett’s lyrics painting vivid characters and scenarios. The narratives are rich and engaging, drawing listeners into fully realized worlds within each song.

The album hits its stride with “Monday Night in Germantown,” a folk-rock gem that perfectly balances nostalgia with forward momentum. Here, Carbon Leaf demonstrates their ability to craft songs that feel both timeless and urgently relevant.

“City by the Sea” and “Call Ahead” form the album’s emotional core, delving into themes of belonging and connection. The former’s lush instrumentation and evocative lyrics create a palpable sense of place, while the latter’s arrangement allows Privett’s vocals to take center stage, delivering some of the album’s most poignant lines.

“Catching Windmill” adds a touch of whimsy to the album, showcasing the band’s versatility and willingness to explore different moods and textures within their established sound.

The album continues its strong run with “California Gold,” a standout track that perfectly encapsulates the youthful optimism and reckless joy of new beginnings. Inspired by Privett’s nephew, the song’s energy is infectious, reminding listeners why Carbon Leaf has endured for over three decades.

“Pretending” and “Neon Signs” close out the album on a contemplative note. The former grapples with the masks we wear in daily life, while the latter serves as a fitting epilogue, its shimmering guitar work and wistful lyrics leaving listeners with a bittersweet taste of nostalgia.

Produced by the band themselves in Terry Clark’s converted garage studio, “Time is the Playground” has a warm, lived-in sound that suits the material well. The production creates an intimate atmosphere, inviting listeners into Carbon Leaf’s musical world.

Lyrically, Privett remains a master of evocative imagery and relatable emotions. Lines like “You’re a superhero in your mind, but Clark Kent in the mirror” (from “You and Me”) showcase his ability to capture complex feelings in simple, striking phrases.

What “Time is the Playground” does exceptionally well is capture the bittersweet nature of aging and reflection. Carbon Leaf has always excelled at creating a sense of community among their listeners, and this album feels like a warm conversation with old friends. The band’s willingness to grapple with the passage of time and its effects on identity is commendable and thought-provoking.

For longtime fans, “Time is the Playground” will feel like a welcome return, offering plenty of the thoughtful lyrics and melodic hooks that have defined Carbon Leaf’s career. While the album’s nostalgic bent might resonate more strongly with listeners who share the band’s generational experiences, the universal themes of love, growth, and self-reflection offer something for audiences of all ages.

In the end, “Time is the Playground” is a solid addition to Carbon Leaf’s extensive catalog. It showcases a band comfortable in their skin, unafraid to look back while still pushing forward. The album’s strengths lie in its emotional honesty, polished musicianship, and Privett’s ever-engaging vocals.

As Carbon Leaf embarks on their extensive touring schedule to support this release, “Time is the Playground” serves as both a reflection on their journey and a reaffirmation of their place in the indie rock landscape. It’s an album that rewards multiple listens, revealing new layers of meaning with each spin.

For fans of thoughtful, melody-driven rock with a folk twist, “Time is the Playground” is well worth the decade-long wait. It’s a worthy addition to Carbon Leaf’s legacy – a reminder that even as time marches on, some things, like the power of a well-crafted song, remain timeless.