CARTMAN RIDES AN EMOTIONAL TIDE ON NEW ALBUM WAVES
Born and raised in the Midwest with roots in hip-hop, Cartman’s musical evolution has taken him from rap verses to indie-alt soundscapes. Influenced by artists like Mac Miller and Dominic Fike, he’s carved out a style that’s introspective, genre-blending, and emotionally rich.
His new album Waves captures that journey—opening with the somber ukulele of “Gold” and flowing through sun-soaked grooves like “Outside” and cathartic highs like “Lucid.” It’s the sound of summer in slow motion, and Cartman makes every moment count. Let’s dig in:
“Gold” opens the LP Waves with a delicate blend of ukulele, acoustic guitar, and a somber tone that sets the emotional stage. The line “Good times never last” hits early and hard, a quiet reminder of life’s fleeting nature. If this track is any indication of what’s to come, Waves promises a beautifully introspective journey—equal parts heartfelt and haunting.
“Tonight” kicks off with a gorgeous guitar melody, quickly joined by a tight rhythm section of floor tom, snare, and hi-hat that locks into a smooth, driving groove. Cartman really leans into the tempo on this one—pushing the energy forward while keeping the message emotionally grounded and heartfelt. Subtle but impactful vocal effects add an extra layer of depth to an already well-crafted track. As the song unfolds, you can feel Cartman’s deep appreciation for hip-hop; while he’s not rapping here, the influence is unmistakable—and it works beautifully.
The third track on the album, “Lucid,” finds Cartman picking up right where he left off—but this time with a thunderous, absurdly catchy chorus that demands to be shouted from the diaphragm. The track features a guest vocal from Elena Collins, Cartman’s wife, whose soft, almost buried vocals add an ethereal texture that complements the song's intensity. Lyrics like “I’m gonna lose, I’m gonna lose it / You’re gonna lose, you’re gonna lose it” sit front and center in the chorus, creating a moment that’s both cathartic and strangely reflective. It’s a track that captures emotional chaos with infectious energy. If you’re looking to elevate your summer playlist with something that hits hard and sticks, “Lucid” is your move.
“From Me” trades in the summer vibes for something moodier and more refined, leaning into an indie electro-synth sound—and we’re all in. Sharp, crafty guitar riffs burst through the mix and are met with open arms, but it’s the bass that steals the spotlight: bold, dominant, and absolutely fantastic. Here’s hoping there’s more of that low-end magic elsewhere on the album. Creatively, this track is firing on all cylinders. It’s commanding, layered with intricate lyrics, and packed with a lineup of instruments working seamlessly in sync. And then there’s Elena Collins—her vocals are front and center, crystal clear and absolutely angelic. This just might be the standout track of the record so far.
Capturing attention from the first line is no small feat, but Cartman makes it look effortless on “Cycle.” With lyrics like “Caught up in a cycle, going round and round... trying to break the cycle before it all comes crashing down,” the song hits an emotional nerve almost instantly. It’s raw, honest, and delivered with the kind of urgency that demands you stop and listen. The instrumentals are beautifully restrained—subtle yet powerful, creating the perfect backdrop for Cartman’s introspection. There’s a cinematic quality to the track that evokes the feeling of walking alone through a quiet city on an overcast summer day. It may paint a different picture for each listener, and that’s the beauty of it. “Cycle” is a standout moment—personal, piercing, and unforgettable.
“Fade Away” brings the bass back front and center—and we’re definitely not complaining. The track opens with a minimal, moody groove built on floor toms and snare, creating a spacious, introspective vibe. Cartman’s vocals slide in with ease, adding a layer of vulnerability that immediately draws you in. There’s a clear nod to Mac Miller’s Larry Lovestein project in both tone and texture—smooth, slightly jazzy, and effortlessly cool. As the track unfolds, a wave of lush synths enters the mix, perfectly complementing the laid-back rhythm. It’s part lo-fi, part hip-hop, and 100% vibey. “Fade Away” is a quiet standout—subtle, soulful, and seriously replayable.
Track seven, “Intertube,” dives into the monotony of day-to-day life—a cycle of rinse and repeat that many can relate to. Cartman shines here, switching things up with a bit of rapping that fits seamlessly into the track’s laid-back, introspective vibe. The drums are present but intentionally subtle, sitting low in the mix to let the acoustic elements breathe. It’s the acoustic guitar that really takes center stage, pairing beautifully with Cartman’s sharp, reflective lyrics. “Intertube” feels stripped-down yet purposeful, offering a fresh and thoughtful detour in the album’s journey.
“Outside” opens with a groovy drum beat paired with what sounds like a lush Prophet 6 synth, and the result is gorgeous. That warm, analog texture adds depth to an already sun-soaked, feel-good track. It’s the kind of song that begs to be played with the windows down, cruising with your significant other, all good vibes and golden hour energy. As the track winds down, a subtle xylophone makes its entrance—a small but charming touch that elevates the atmosphere without overdoing it. “Outside” is effortless, breezy, and full of joy.
“Waves” opens with the distant cries of seagulls, immediately setting a coastal tone—and as the title suggests, this one’s all about beachy, laid-back vibes. Think sand, sun, and salt air. It’s a slow-burn of a track, anchored by the recurring theme of “riding your wave,” which feels like a heartfelt nod to Cartman’s significant other. The guitar work is warm and expressive, paired with simple but effective drumming that keeps the rhythm easy and breezy. “Waves” is mellow, intimate, and effortlessly atmospheric—a perfect soundtrack for losing track of time by the ocean.
The album closes with “Surfin,” a gentle yet powerful finale. It begins with Cartman’s vocals barely above a whisper, layered over soft, delicate guitar plucks. Soon, sweeping strings emerge from the background, adding a rich, cinematic depth that completely transforms the track. “Surfin” builds into something big and anthemic—not in tempo, but in emotion. It’s not a fast song, but it’s deeply inviting, wrapping the listener in a sense of warmth and calm. As the final track on the LP, it feels intentionally placed—a cozy, reflective send-off that lingers long after the last note fades.
Waves isn’t just an album—it’s a season captured in sound. From start to finish, it radiates the warmth, reflection, and fleeting beauty of summer. Whether it’s the beachy tones of “Waves,” the golden-hour glow of “Outside,” or the late-night introspection of “Cycle,” Cartman has crafted a record that feels tailor-made for long drives, sunset walks, and slow, hazy days.
What makes Waves truly special is its emotional range. It’s breezy but never shallow, introspective without feeling heavy. Cartman blends lo-fi textures, indie-pop melodies, and subtle hip-hop influences into a cohesive journey that hits both the heart and the headphones just right.
This is an album that doesn’t demand your attention—it earns it. Waves feels like a personal conversation wrapped in sound, and by the time “Surf” gently closes things out, you’ll wish summer—and this album—could last just a little bit longer.