Hailing all the way from the Cayman Islands, independent talent Benjamin Carter is new and refreshing. After breaking into the music scene in 2021 with the release of R&B-inspired EP Self Portrait: Vol 2, Benjamin Carter proves his versatility with his new punk-rock-influenced EP Black Boys On The Radio: Part 1 despite its short length. Even with the unexpected audiovisual turn, the passionate singer and songwriter use the five-track project to showcase his vulnerability to listeners.
The first sound to enter your ears is an unremitting guitar riff followed by synths and sharp drums. The energy of this EP is established with the opening track, “Psycho,” co-written by Albert Posis. Although it’s considered to be a rock project, you can’t deny the pop-influenced sound as the keys in G major (Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” Lynyrd Skynard’s “Sweet Home Alabama,” and Daft Punk’s “Around the World”) and the light synths that swarm in. Produced by Jesse Barrera, the song’s upbeat production is countered by Carter’s gloomy lyricism. Carter’s mental health takes center stage as the lyrics highlight how he manages his ego, ambitions, and more are heard throughout the chorus as he sings, “caught up in emotions, and I’m feeling the doubt/ I’m feeling psycho / like a psycho / I’m so over chasing just another stereotype / overdosing on opinions and I’m losing my mind.”
The second track, “Finish The Job,” also produced by Barrera, was a group effort as writing credit belongs to Barrera, Posis, Paul Hernandez, and Carter himself. This mid-tempo song is the gritty rock the project promised in contrast to “Psycho.” The acoustic drums and the guitar melody compare to Chicano Batman’s “Pink Elephant,” but with a fresher approach. Rhythmically this song draws you in, but the vocals and lyrical performance elevates this track to another level. Scolding societal issues, specifically police violence, Carter uses allusions and metaphors to paint the vivid picture of past violence police have caused in the lyric, “you’re a killing machine, I’m just trying to breathe” as the song closes out.
Wedged in the middle, the title track, ”Black Boys On The Radio,” focuses on the relationship between American culture and Black entertainment. In a statement released to Ann Storlie of Melodic Magazine, Carter said, “American culture seems to praise the athlete and artist and actor who is black and in entertainment, yet many who look just like them are being stereotyped, marginalized, and face various prejudices that don’t allow them to progress as people.” This thought is relayed in the first verse as he belts out, “she says Black boys always play on the radio / I said, it’s strange how you listen but don’t have time to watch me grow.” Though “Black Boys On The Radio” is certainly the most lyrically heavy song, Barrera proceeds with his masterclass production to match this intensity. For instance, a notable element in the chorus is its secondary melody reminiscent of Kid Cudi’s bridge in “Pursuit of Happiness( Nightmare),” simply transposed. Due to all the layered instruments and vocals, the chorus has a striking grandeur.
“Hands Up (DON’T SHOOT!)” co-written and produced by Simon Oscroft, it presents a unique twist as the foundation of this song is established by breakbeat percussion. In an interview with Virginie of The Thread, Carter shared that being introduced to rock bands like Linkin Park and Three Days Grace at an early age was a creative catalyst for his career as a musician. This influence is apparent in the aggressive energy carried throughout the performance of this song. The crashing cymbals, the swelling guitar riffs, and the vocal tone of Carter himself creates an undeniable punk rock energy that mirrors the aesthetic of the album cover.
The final track of this EP, the first single, “Lost Control,” has all the ingredients for a perfect radio hit because it’s relatable and infectious. The drowned-out background vocals ring like sirens in your ear, and the reverb effect on the electric guitar gives it a cheery pop sound. “Lost Control” is a distress signal for his own life as he tells Mitch Mosk of Atwood Magazine, “it’s me trying to make the situation fun, it’s sarcastic.”
Overall, Black Boys On The Radio: Part 1 is pleasant to the ears and has plenty of potential to catch fire. The songs have a typical pop-rock mainstream appeal. However, the social commentary and production give this project the depth it needs. It is interesting to see how much Benjamin Carter’s sound has shifted as he has gone from alternative to R&B and now to rock. Black Boys On The Radio: Part 1 is a great listen and proves that Carter is an artist to watch out for.
Black Boys On The Radio: Part 1 is available where all music is streamed, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal.
What did you think of Benjamin Carter’s EP Black Boys On The Radio: Part 1? Let us know below in the comment section. If you want more of Benjamin Carter, connect with him on his Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. For other updates, check his website carterbenjamin.com.
