Carousel Kings

Originating in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the easycore outfit Carousel Kings was launched by vocalist David Alexander. Drawing from the area’s metal community while pursuing melodic hooks, Alexander and his collaborators fused tuneful compositions with hardcore and pop-punk, quickly securing a contract with the local CI Records. Their first album, Speak Frantic, appeared in 2010 and was followed two years later by A Slice of Heaven. One additional EP and the third full-length, Unity (2014), preceded their exit from CI and move to Victory Records. Repeated lineup changes occurred across the years until Alexander established a steady roster with guitarist Will Barovick, bassist Cody Williams, and drummer Danny Wilkins. A split Christmas EP with Maryland’s the Great Heights Band surfaced in 2015, after which the band relocated to Lancaster’s Atrium Audio the next year to track their subsequent LP. Charm City, the fourth album and first for Victory, arrived in early 2017. Their second Victory release, Plus Ultra, followed in 2019; the set broadened the group’s approach both in songwriting and through fresh instrumental colors such as ukulele, saxophone, and electronic accents. Plus Ultra also incorporated numerous guests, including Spencer Charnas (Ice Nine Kills), Rory Rodriguez (Dayseeker), and Lexxe, the band’s first female contributor.