Atlanta melodic, emotive indie punk rockers THE CAROLYN have shared their cover of “Salvation” by The Cranberries, the primary single released from the Irish rock band, off of their third studio album, “To the Faithful Departed”, released back in 1996. The track will be released on the band’s upcoming EP titled Harmful History.
At under seven minutes of music, Harmful History offers a quick and concise glimpse of the catchy, heartfelt punk rock by The Carolyn. Harmful History will be released on Friday, June 9th but their cover of “Salvation” is streaming everywhere today. You’ll be able to see The Carolyn supporting the new EP with appearances at SXSW, a trip to Europe, and more shows in the US tba. For now, listen to “Salvation” on repeat and keep an eye on their tour announcements.
Tour Dates:
3/15 @ The Drafting Room – Austin, TX
6/16 @ Obenuse Fest – Zurich, CH
6/17 @ Beard Attack Fest – Leipzig, DE
6/22 @ AJZ – Wermelskirchen, DE w/ Jughead’s Revenge
6/23 @ Booze Cruise Fest – Hamburg, DE
FFO: The Lawrence Arms, The Menzingers, Spanish Love Songs, The Gaslight Anthem
The band’s latest album, Rhythm of My Own Decay, is out now via Gunner Records (EU) and 59 X Records (US).
Atlanta indie punk outfit The Carolyn has spent the last few years crafting songs perfect for highway driving in the rain. The upcoming release, Harmful History, is in some ways more of what one could expect from the band, but it also foreshadows where they’re headed.
Those who cut their teeth on the melodic punk bands from the late 90s and early 2000s will certainly feel at home, but might also be pleasantly surprised by the band’s choice to embrace poppy hooks and unorthodox song structures while wasting no time in the process. Look no further than the band’s previous two full lengths, Rhythm of My Own Decay (59 X Records/Gunner Records) and This Will Begin To Make Things Right (59 X Records) to find songs filled with catchy choruses and lyrics about sleep deprivation, obscure pop culture references, and existential crisis.
“Salvation” by The Cranberries
“Salvation” addresses the issue of substance abuse and the importance of avoiding it. While some critics deemed the song overly simplistic and preachy, lead singer Dolores O’Riordan clarified that its purpose was not solely anti-drug, but rather aimed at discouraging complete surrender to any substance or external control.
O’Riordan, who had personal experience with drug abuse, expressed that it only led to confusion and a lack of progress. She explained that the song reflects the harsh reality of addiction, which cannot be escaped and must be confronted head-on. As for critical response to the song, more information is needed.
In March 1996, Olivier Dahan directed the music video for “Salvation” in France, produced by Bandits Productions.
The video was the last of the band’s videos to receive significant airplay on MTV, with subsequent singles failing to gain traction.
The video portrays a deranged clown, incorporating elements of horror icons Freddy Krueger, Pennywise, and Pinhead, floating around a castle and driving around with a group of young girls who are implied to be under the influence of drugs.
The video features cuts between Dolores O’Riordan singing the song and scenes of two adults attempting to revive their comatose daughter while being terrorized by the sinister clown, who later engages in a disturbing encounter with the awakened daughter while the couple wears latex catsuits.
In January 2018, O’Riordan passed away from alcohol-induced drowning.
The Cranberries released the album “In the End” (2019) the following year, which included her final vocal recordings and received a Grammy nomination.
After the album’s release, the band decided to disband.
Throughout her career with the Cranberries, O’Riordan’s contribution helped the band sell over 40 million albums worldwide. By 2019, this number had risen to nearly 50 million worldwide, not counting her solo projects.
