Reviewed by Elliot Rose

'Breathe In Deep' is the long await debut EP by hard rockers Carrollton. Although half the band is from Kentucky and half live in Ohio, the small town of Carrollton became their halfway house and after several years, band names and line-up changes, they've released their first record. Featuring six songs, with three bonuses, the disc packs a punch from the opening track "Pass You By", setting the tone with textured guitars and rich harmonised BVs. "This Is Life" demonstrates the band's talent for writing thoughtful lyrics and combining them with catchy melodies, Justin's powerful voice soaring above the guitar/bass/drum backing. The band also shows a little versatility with the heavy but vaguely folky "Red", although "Death Has Lost Its Way" explores the country-folk approach a little more head on - utilising the backing vocals superbly. However the standout track of the disc is the thoroughly engaging larger-than-life anthem "Holding Me". The guys also demonstrate a knack for the simplistic with the three bonus acoustic tracks from their "Front Porch Sessions".

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