S. Carey’s multi-instrumental talents are let down by his vocals on Break Me Open

However, the vividness of this soundscape is overshadowed in the mix by Carey’s vocals, getting to the heart of what is so frustrating about Break Me Open: it’s a record full of gorgeous instrumental compositions that are ultimately lost alongside vocals that simply can’t stand up to the richness of its production and sound design.

Carey’s attention to detail on the production side of things should come as no surprise. As a long-standing touring member of Bon Iver, with various writing credits and instrumental contributions across their catalogue, he has played a role in shaping the densely layered and impressionistic sound of the band’s post-For Emma output. Many of Bon Iver’s textures and colours can also be heard on Break Me Open: glitchy electronic drums, soft horns, rousing string swells, fuzzy vocoders. “Island” is an excellent example – a heartwarming tribute to Carey’s daughter, full of hope and warmth in its symphonic composition. It’s these arrangements that form the emotive charge on the album, almost like a film score that rises out of nowhere at the emotional climax of a movie. A distracted ear might not register the thoughtfulness of these arrangements but they come to life with a close listen on headphones or good speakers.

Unfortunately, Carey’s vocals distract from the quality of the songs more than they add. His delivery is strangely devoid of emotion, despite the emotive lyrical themes and stirring instrumentals. As a classically trained percussionist, it’s surprising that his otherwise excellent rhythmic instincts don’t translate to the writing of his vocal melodies, which sound like unfinished studio sketches against the intricacy of everything else on the record.

The vocal performances, song structures, pacing and even track titles ultimately have the effect of a stock music library; engineered to be emotionally evocative but also vague enough to sync to whatever TV show or corporate film they might be set against. It’s a real shame because there’s some great detail hidden in there, but finding it can, at times, feel like more of a chore than a pleasure.