Carson – When Gods Know Why

by Mark 'Yeti' Richard · October 27, 2025

Carson is an alternative stoner rock band from Lucerne, Switzerland. The three-piece released their first Self Titled EP in 2012. They also released 2017’s Drown the Witness, 2017’s Three Point Split EP, 2022’s The Wilful Pursuit Of Ignorance, and their latest, 2025’s When Gods Know Why. Founded in 2010, the current lineup consists of Kieran Jones on guitars and vocals, Jan Kurmann on drums, and Elina Willener on bass. When Gods Know Why was released on September 19th 2025, on Sixteentimes Music. The album contains eight tracks at thirty six minutes long.

Upon my very first listen, I was immediately drawn in. The powerful and crisp production is captured right away with “Engine Down”. It’s a pile-driving groove of heavy and crunchy riff rock, enticed with terrific vocals. The stoner rocking riffs are blazing on this one! They then dive into the title track, “When Gods Know Why”, a fantastic fuzz-a-riffic dazzler with such infectious tones and melodies. They blend the pop sensation of QOTSA with a punchy hard driven fuzz of something like Dozer. Carson then delivers a powerful number on the song, “Sombre Faces”. It’s a beautiful and dynamic track that really displays the full spectrum of range that the band operates from. The mellow and jamming song has fantastic vocals that augment everything. The guitar leads sound great too, texturing the rhythm section expertly.

The fourth track called “Snow White” kicks right in with some rocking rhythms of fuzz. There’s some cool off-kiltered progressive parts sprinkled in with the dense riffing. The song takes a cosmic twist into a new dimension midway through. Percussive stick taps and guitar noises are filtered through chugging rhythms and spoken vocals. Carson are masters in crafting such interesting and creative music that permeates throughout the body. “The Itch” is a fuzz ripper that has powerful vocals and big grooves. Every song has a special drive and vitality to it. When Gods Know Why is a record that I didn’t expect to be so damn good! Every single riff and melody is pristine on this recording. The musical dynamics are magnificent too. “Drip” shifts back into a more softer mode, displaying enchanting tones throughout. It does crank up at the end transitioning into a heavy cascade of rocking rhythms.

“Marion Morrison” is a no nonsense rager. The head banging grooves and hardcore rhythms are making my body move. The music and vocals are equally beautiful and devastating. The eighth and final cut is called “Only For The Scored”. The band really showcase everything into this exceptional closer. The psychedelic textures are floating with ambition and brilliance. The whole song is a sonically pleasing masterpiece. The contrast of light to heavy blend seamlessly with transitions, flows, and dynamics that are at the top level of effectiveness. I am really blown away with this album and band! Every song is incredible and there’s so much to absorb upon every listen.