Consisting of vocalist Arno Strobl and multi-instrumentalist Axel Wursthorn, Carnival in Coal is a French duo intent on perplexing and subsequently exhausting listeners, coming across like some sort of demonic version of fellow countrymen Air.
Instead of breezy pop tunes, however, CIC spew out genre-twisting electronic noise that often burrows into death-metal territory, bringing to mind a European Mr.
Bungle.
Former Bungle frontman Mike Patton's influence is clearly felt on these giddily bizarre tunes, particularly "Yes! We Have No Bananas" and "Don't Be Happy, Worry," which proudly display the band's twisted sense of humor.
Those interested in following the antics of Arno and Axel will find no better place to start than FEAR NOT.