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ABOUT

The Swiss–New Zealand power trio Carson, stands for a distinctive heavy sound that moves between stoner, grunge, and psychedelic rock. Dual melodic vocals meet heavy riffs, sophisticated harmonies, and concentrated energy beyond conventional genre formulas. Live, the band unleashes its full power: intense, gripping shows marked by strong dynamics and commanding presence.

Founded in 2010 in New Zealand by guitarist and vocalist Kieran Jones, the band found its current lineup in Switzerland in 2012 with Jan Kurmann (drums) and Elina Willener (bass/backing vocals).

Carson caused an early stir with their first EP: tracks such as I Guess and Chlorine Boogie received airplay on major Swiss radio stations and brought the band its first wave of attention. This phase was followed by an initial European tour supporting Karma to Burn, as well as shows with established acts such as Elder, Dog Eat Dog, Greenleaf, and Black Rainbows. The trio quickly developed into a well-kept secret for high-energy live performances. Festival appearances at Up in Smoke, Openair am Bielersee, and Stonerhead – Let Groove Your Brains Tonight soon followed.

Carson’s debut album Drown the Witness (2017) impressed with sprawling psychedelic monster tracks and cemented the band’s position within the scene. The album gained significant international attention, sold very well, and received enthusiastic reviews from around the world. Shortly after its release, however, an unexpected turning point occurred: due to family reasons, Kieran had to return to New Zealand, forcing Carson to take a multi- year hiatus.

In 2022, Carson made an impressive return. The second album The Wilful Pursuit of Ignorance (Sixteentimes Music) presented the band in a more direct, heavier, and grungier form, while retaining their characteristic signature sound and dynamic range.

The Wilful Pursuit of Ignorance received enthusiastic reviews from numerous magazines and webzines. Metal Hammer praised the album for its “cool, never-too-predictable songwriting, a strong sense for hooks despite all its heaviness, and a punchy, powerful production.” It further described the record as “an attractive alternative rock package that knows how to give one of the sometimes most phlegmatic genres a well-aimed kick in the backside.” DrumHeads!! magazine wrote: “You can hear how their music has grown over the years in the maturity of the work. The focus lies on hard, fat riffs; the compositions are compact yet thoroughly crafted.” The Obelisk added: “It’s been a while since a basically straightforward, desert-derived heavy rock record hit me with such an impression of songwriting as does their second full-length, The Wilful Pursuit of Ignorance.”

The album was not only well received by critics but also made its mark on the charts, reaching #4 in the Doom Charts and placing in the Top 10 of the Swiss Artist Charts, among other achievements.

Alongside the release, Carson spent a total of five weeks touring Europe in 2022 with Siena Root and Deville, played numerous club shows with bands such as King Buffalo, Valley of the

Sun, Duel, and Powder for Pigeons, and appeared at festivals including Up in Smoke (CH), Rock im Wald (DE), Dudefest (DE), and Pietra Sonica (IT).

Throughout 2023 and 2024, Carson performed regularly on stages in Switzerland and internationally, including festivals such as Openair Gränichen, Palp Festival, Terneuzen Is On Fire, Honky Tonk, and Itch Fest. At the same time, the band worked intensively on new material.

In early 2025, Carson was once again on the road extensively, with a Spanish tour in February, a German tour in April, as well as additional domestic club shows and festival appearances at Wasted Openair, Wysrüti, and Parkonia.

The third album, When Gods Know Why, was released in September 2025. Building on the clear direction of its predecessor, Carson further expanded their sound, presenting a more stylistically diverse and nuanced approach without losing any of its power or impact. The album marks a deliberate step forward in the band’s evolution and broadens their established sonic spectrum.

The response from both press and scene was correspondingly strong. Time For Metal awarded the album 9/10 points, describing it as a “sonic journey through raw energy, fine nuances, and unexpected twists” that combines “emotional expressiveness with musical versatility,” underscoring Carson’s special place in the current rock landscape.

Other media outlets were equally impressed. Demonic-Nights noted that the band’s ongoing status as a well-kept secret was difficult to explain, as the sound is “simply too good to be ignored.” Legacy praised the “stoner sound turned into riffs that instantly get into your legs and neck,” while Artnoir particularly highlighted the band’s interplay and the successful translation of their live energy into recorded form — a sound that “flows through the entire body and becomes addictive.”

In addition to the strong media response, the album’s success was also reflected in the rankings: When Gods Know Why placed in the Top 5 of the Eclipsed editorial charts and reached #7 in the Doom Charts.

The subsequent release tour took Carson through Switzerland, Germany, and Sweden, including an appearance at Fuzz Fest (SWE). Another German tour is planned for April 2026.

The band is currently working on new material. The next album will be released on the US label Blues Funeral Recordings.