Album Notes

The (mostly untold) story of Carbon...

They told us to tell you everything. Well, frankly, no.

It'd take too long, and we have to catch the 07.30 from Brixton.

Strange things, biogs. I personally squirm if I hear a band on the radio going into the tiniest detail of their (usually mundane) inception... "Well, we first met in Tooting library just after the end of The Great War of the Bean Curd in 1411"... arrargh! Who cares! Tell me a joke! ... But that's just me.

As independent artists, we don't have to suffer the embarrassment of a well-greased PR machine constantly puffing up our feathers. But, of course, you do need to know who we are, what we've done, and whether or not we're any good.

Getting here - getting the album done - was a pilgrimage. But, let's not make selling points out of life's little squeeky bits. We hope the new site leaves you with a feeling that you know us and our music a little better, and have more of a sense of were our collective head is at.

Lyn Smith has always written songs. Born in Liverpool, England, she sang in pubs in her home town until she joined a signed band. With them she got to tour the UK lots and work with some wonderful producers and musicians including Glen Tilbrook (UK Squeeze), Steve Naieve, Gus Dugeon, Steve Levine and William Orbit.

After they split Lyn developed her own music on the London circuit. Watching people's faces, finding out what people liked (and didn't).

In 1999 Lyn formed Carbon 13. It's all perfectly legal these days.

The original line-up gigged for three years of preparation for a 'live' sounding album.

In 2002 Lyn sold her home and funded the recording of debut album "Under Your Skin" at Beethoven Street studio in London with producer Mark Ralph.

THE MUSIC
The thirteen songs on the album vary in style and intensity. The writing is diverse and (we hope) unpredictable but has recurring threads and themes.

The first two tracks are both reasonably heavy. Opening track "Summer" is perversely long and uncommercial, in a catchy kind of a way. 'Dancing Shoes' (track 3), mesmeric, smooth, haunting, has received the most radio airplay to date.

Psychedelically inclined 'Thieves' (track 7) is steeped in melancholic retrospection in an unexpectedly uplifting way. A favourite with the DJ's because it's so short.

'Light' (track 4) is a favourite 'live' because it has hardly any words and boys like jumping up and down to it.

Title track "Under Your Skin" is a ballad that doesn't suck. Underpinned by passionate Irish fiddling and the promise of many potatoes.

The album features thirteen original songs composed by Lyn Smith, and a bonus track - a specially commissioned club re-mix of 'Light' produced by the brilliant Kris Weston (The Orb).

"Summer" was played 40 times on "Storm pure rock radio" in their Rock Revolution "Best of British Unsigned" campaign.

CARBONS 'LIVE'
Irreverent, anti-showbiz, anti-corporate, audience inclusive 'the stage is our living room' attitude. All of which, we're told, makes for a bloody good night out. Try to catch us if you can.

But if you can't... sit down. Relax. Listen to the CD. Join our growing email list, and we'll keep you updated with our newletter and jokes. Introduce yourself in our Guest Book and don't forget to tell us which country you are from.

Have a look at some bees. Have a think about whether birds have ears. Or whether rabbits can swim. Or whether ants ever go to sleep.

Thank you to everyone who has ever supported us. We won't let you down. Leopards