Ask Carol Delivers an Intoxicating Journey with 'AC II: Desert Sky' — A Masterpiece of Emotion and Sound
- STAFF
- Nov 13, 2025
- 5 min read
By: Staff
Ask Carol’s 'AC II: Desert Sky' is a hauntingly beautiful, genre-defying triumph packed with passion and power.
We found the accomplished and exciting artist, Ask Carol, and their release AC II: Desert Sky, and it was an absolutely exhilarating experience. We recommend you check out the entire album; it’s a sonic journey full of depth, emotion, and unexpected twists. We landed on some standout moments, and we’re eager to share them with you.
"Desert" opens with a gentle acoustic guitar strum that leads into a whistling, almost harrowing western-style sound that instantly grabs your attention. It’s a captivating start that sets the tone for what follows. Soon after, the sweet and powerful vocals of Ask Carol enter, weaving a story of life’s fleeting nature. The lyrics seem to fall gracefully from her lips, their emotional weight lingering in the air. The poignant line,
“I know that time / It won’t wait for me”
sparks a moment of reflection, inviting the listener to contemplate time’s unrelenting march. The way the lyrics are delivered makes them even more potent. Ask Carol’s vocal cadence stands out as one of her greatest strengths. Her slow, deliberate phrasing is peppered with powerful embellishments that pull you deeper into the song. Her vocal delivery feels like a gaze that locks onto you, mesmerizing and hypnotic, leaving you hanging on every word. This track is a beautiful showcase of her vocal ability and emotional depth.
As the song progresses, the gentle strumming of the guitar and the soft, haunting whistle remain ever-present, drifting through the track with a sense of serenity. Then, percussive notes start to build; thunderous drum fills intensify the atmosphere and carry the song toward its finale. The tension that builds culminates in a powerful conclusion, where the lyrics return to their starting point:
“No, it won’t wait for me.”
This cyclical ending is both poetic and deeply moving, creating a sense of emotional resolution. The song’s journey, so beautifully stated, feels like a personal reckoning, one that resonates deeply with the listener.
Next up, we landed on "Wind in My Hair," a track that opens with glowing resonant notes that seem to twinkle down from the sky and land right at Ask Carol’s feet. The moment she enters, it’s clear she’s commanding our attention, her voice almost directing our emotions with precision. Her high notes soar, lingering with purpose, and the way she delivers her falsetto is nothing short of intoxicating. The soft notes reverberate through the mix, hanging in the air like a memory. This song’s slow burn creates a sense of existential wonder, and the way it builds, culminating in an electrifying outro, left us breathless. The track is a thrilling, cathartic experience that lingers long after it fades.
Finally, we encountered "Writing on the Wall," a track with a powerful message that reflects on the history of Norway’s liberation from German occupation during World War II. As expected, Ask Carol’s deeply emotional delivery was the perfect match for the weight of this song’s subject matter. The opening notes:
“Tell my friend I have to go / saw the writing on the wall,”
immediately draw the listener into the gravity of the moment. This song stands as a poignant reminder of the past, yet it speaks to present-day struggles and the uncertain future. The depiction of escaping the storm into the unknown is beautifully rendered, once again showcasing Ask Carol’s ability to tell a meaningful story through her lyrics.
What holds all of this together is the production technique, which perfectly highlights Ask Carol’s vocal prowess. The mix feels intimate, almost up close and personal, like she’s performing right in the room with you. It’s clear and crisp, yet never overproduced. The slight nuances of her voice, the subtle imperfections that make her unique, are preserved and celebrated. The production choices were spot-on, allowing Ask Carol’s performance to shine in its rawest, most authentic form.
Overall, we loved AC II: Desert Sky, and we think you will too. It’s a magnificent work that flows seamlessly from track to track, with everything from the lyrics to the instrumentation to the vocals delivered with a rare sense of purpose and beauty. Ask Carol has crafted an album that resonates with authenticity and emotion; it's an album you won't want to miss.
So, check out Ask Carol and their latest release, AC II: Desert Sky, this album is an exceptional, must-listen journey that captures both personal and universal truths.
Credit: Ty Helback
“AC II: Desert Sky” by Ask Carol is a breathtaking, emotionally charged anthem that captivates with every note.
Ask Carol, an alternative indie-rock duo from the small Norwegian mountain town of Auma, is creating waves in the music scene with their distinctive sound and raw energy. With just two members, Ask Carol delivers a sound that feels larger than life, using two guitars, drums, synth, and Carol’s innovative bass and guitar system. The duo’s music effortlessly moves between fierce, electrifying anthems and softer, introspective moments, drawing inspiration from artists like The Kills, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and The White Stripes, all while adding a uniquely Nordic touch. Their music captures the perfect balance of intensity and vulnerability, offering a truly unforgettable listening experience.
Despite their remote location, Ask Carol has carved out an international presence, touring extensively across the globe. From their home in Norway to the US, Germany, the UK, Italy, Philippines, Japan, South Korea, and Scandinavia, they’ve taken their sound to audiences far and wide. Their standout performances include multiple official showcases at SXSW, with the most recent in 2023, and sharing the stage with bands like The Brian Jonestown Massacre on their European tour. In 2022, they released their debut album through their own label, ChoVan Records, which earned critical acclaim, including a 5/6 rating from Norway’s Dagbladet.
Ask Carol’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable. During the pandemic, when live shows came to a halt, the duo used their time wisely to reinvent themselves. They turned isolation into a creative boon, producing self-made music videos and live recordings that have since garnered millions of views on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Their viral "CowChella" video series, where they perform for a herd of cows, brought a unique charm to their social media presence and helped further establish their identity as a band that thrives on creativity, humor, and connection with their audience.
As they prepare to release their highly anticipated second album, AC II: Desert Sky, Ask Carol is poised to take things to the next level. With months of intense touring in the US under their belt in 2024, they are set to embark on their first-ever European tour in 2025. This album marks the end of a musical era for the duo, blending their experiences over the past few years into a cohesive body of work. The album, which features dreamy folk-rock vibes and a mix of acoustic and electric sounds, is a testament to the evolution of their artistry. The band also continues to embrace the physical medium, with vinyl and CD releases alongside the digital drop.
Ask Carol's journey from a small town in Norway to international acclaim speaks to the power of their talent, vision, and unrelenting drive. The band also performed at a sold-out show at Permanent Records Roadhouse in LA during their US tour last year, earning praise as one of the tour's best shows! We're so excited to have found Ask Carol and can’t wait to hear more from the incredibly talented duo!
