Ask Carol's Sophomore Album AC II: Desert Sky Melds Reflection and Freedom

Photo Credit: Ty Helback

AC II: Desert Sky is the majestic sophomore album courtesy of an Oslo-based indie rock duo known as Ask Carol. Featuring Karoline Strømshoved and Ask T. Borgen, the first thing I found myself asking was: how do just two people create a sound so expansive and atmospheric? The answer? A bit of multi-tasking and careful orchestration.

A twelve-track offering that features highly acclaimed gems like Desert and the pair's cover of Neil Young's protest anthem Ohio, AC II: Desert Sky marks the end of an era. "It's a blend of our experiences from the last years turned into one complete body of work," says the twosome.

Desert gets proceedings underway and sets a dreamy and reflective tone. Described as "the backbone of the record," it's the perfect opener, and leads us gently into the freedom of the open air, AKA, Wind In My Hair.

Cold July is a stripped-down reflection on the state of the world, and the pair's first entirely acoustic song. It's a beautiful piece of music, and is followed by something of a palate cleanser in the form of Are You Leaving Us Here…

Truthfully, each of the remaining tunes could have a whole article written about them. It's just that special of an album. Dive in - I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

Follow Ask Carol on Instagram