LISTEN: Carol’s “Star” Is Ambient Pop Bliss With Lush Textures

After completing her training in vocal performance and musical composition at the Berklee College of Music in Chicago and the Civica Scuola di Musica Jazz, Carol found her roots in the Milanese underground music scene, performing and appearing on independent radio stations, and collaborating with a few local acts. 

Equipped with the necessary material and skills, she entered the studio with a clear vision and, in 2023, Carol signed her first record deal with the label and publisher Oyez!, crafting a series of songs that involved a significant team of musicians. This led to the creation of a bedroom-pop sound heavily influenced by jazz studies, culminating in an indie-rock peak that defines Carol’s latest project. 

“Star” is the first preview of Carol’s anticipated sophomore EP, which is set to arrive sometime in 2026. The lead single, and title track of the upcoming release, is a hazy, atmospheric example of the artist’s unique blend of lo-fi warmth and jazzy unpredictability. However, the artist’s influences are more subdued on “Star,” leading to some of the artist’s most singular work to date. Carol’s lush vocals blend with the whimsical instrumentation, creating ethereal textures for the listener to get lost in as drunken guitars stumble over sparse yet potent percussion. Don’t let the dense yet playful ambiance of this performance fool you. Carol injects every poetic flair she can offer into the deepest corners of “Star,” providing an unforgettable listen while previewing what is shaping up to be a landmark release for the artist.