Rock/Review Ivan Beecroft - Carousel

Ivan Beecroft is a songwriter and musician from Melbourne, Australia. In the last two decades, Ivan Beecroft has been a major contributor to Melbourne’s thriving underground music scene. He was very fortunate to be around when grunge took off in the 90s and when St. Kilda’s underground music scene was at its peak, with artists such as Tex Perkins (Beasts of Bourbon,The Cruel Sea), Paul Hester (Crowded House), Sean Kelly (The Models), and many more having commercial success at the time.

"Carousel" by Ivan Beecroft serves as a poignant musical commentary on the challenges faced during Melbourne's extended lockdowns. Written and recorded just two months into the start of the controversial lockdowns, the song captures the atmosphere of that period, drawing inspiration from George Orwell's classic novel, 1984.

The song emerges as a creative response to the surreal and challenging times characterized by constant press conferences and slogans that seemed to echo Orwellian Newspeak. Phrases like "staying apart keeps us together" became emblematic of a reality that felt increasingly dystopian. Ivan Beecroft found himself immersed in Orwell's literary world, and "Carousel" manifested as a musical reflection of the disconcerting circumstances surrounding the extended lockdowns.

The title, "Carousel," suggests a cyclical and repetitive nature, mirroring the ongoing challenges and uncertainties faced during the lockdowns. The metaphorical carousel becomes a symbol for the constant upheavals and uncertainties that marked this period, reflecting the song's exploration of the impact of external forces on individuals and society.

Musically, Ivan Beecroft's composition encapsulates the mood and atmosphere of the time. The songwriting process, influenced by Orwell's literary work, adds depth to the narrative. The music becomes a vehicle for expressing the emotional weight of the experience, providing a sonic landscape for listeners to immerse themselves in the artist's perspective.

In summary, "Carousel" by Ivan Beecroft is a dystopian reflection on the realities of Melbourne's extended lockdowns. Fueled by the inspiration from George Orwell's 1984, the song captures the essence of a challenging period marked by surreal slogans and a sense of uncertainty. Through music, Ivan Beecroft articulates the emotional landscape of the times, inviting listeners to join him on a reflective journey through the complexities of lockdown life.