Hailing from the San Francisco/Oakland music scene, The Carrots are a four-piece band known for their delightfully eclectic and genre-blurring sound. Combining the hypnotic groove of surf rock, the improvisational flair of jazz, the global rhythms of world music, and the cosmic wanderlust of psychedelia, The Carrots have carved out a unique niche in the music landscape. Their sound, described as “exhilarating patio music,” is a refreshing blend of instrumental melodies that transport listeners somewhere between the surf and the jungle.
The band first began as a duo in 2016, with Campbell on electric guitar and Garrett on electric octave mandolin. Their early days were filled with backyard barbecues and intimate local venues across Northern California, where their laid-back yet intriguing sound quickly built a loyal following. By 2019, The Carrots had expanded to a full quartet with the addition of Chris Grant on drums and Chris Farwell on bass, further enriching their dynamic and groove-oriented sound.
Their debut EP, Dessert Slice (2020), was a promising start, but it was their follow-up EP, Say Yeah (2021), that truly showcased their distinctive musical vision. The title track, a stunning instrumental piece, is a testament to their guitar prowess and genre fusion. Created amidst the chaos of 2020, Say Yeah serves as a tribute to the live music experience during a time of uncertainty. Written, recorded, and mixed entirely in quarantine, the EP captures a sense of longing for live performance with its intricate, funky folk grooves and psychedelic undertones.
The Carrots’ forthcoming full-length album, Potion (due in Fall 2023), promises to push their sound even further. With its adventurous melodies and soundscapes, Potion is set to solidify their place in the local and beyond music scenes. The album blends the waves and jungle, embodying a sense of both relaxation and exhilaration that only The Carrots can deliver.
Drawing comparisons to bands like Khruangbin, The Mattson 2, and Tommy Guerrero, The Carrots manage to create a sound that feels both familiar and refreshingly original. Their music invites listeners to a sonic adventure, offering a blend of rhythm and melody that’s as complex as it is accessible. With each release, The Carrots continue to expand their musical horizons, making them a band to watch in the evolving landscape of instrumental and genre-defying music.
