Timothy Carroll “The Deepest Dive” EP Review

Review: Victoria Nugent


TimothyTimothy Carroll
  After listening to The Deepest Dive, I couldn’t help but be slightly disappointed, but not because of the quality of the music. Rather, it’s a bit sad to think that this EP will be the last we hear from Timothy Carroll for a while, thanks to his impending move to Sweden.

The Deepest Dive comes a year after the release of Carroll’s debut album For Bread & Circuses and is full of laidback folk tunes, all tying into the theme of change and moving on. It’s a lush listening experience, with the EP boasting exceptionally pretty cover art to boot, taken from a set of French tarot cards.


“This Counting Life” is a deeply personal reflection with soft instrumentation as Carroll counts his various life experiences. It’s the kind of song that, though filled with details specific to Carroll’s life, I found easy to relate to, thanks to its portrayal of the kind of contemplation connected with life changes.

“Sense of The East” is slightly more upbeat with vocals to make the heart swell in your chest, and layered instrumentation, including beautifully mournful clarinet.

Title track “The Deepest Dive” is a harmonic and whimsical song about the kind of panic that comes from hearing about a tragedy, and fearing that it was someone you knew. The lyrics form an interesting narrative about the paranoia that stems from loving someone and the fear of losing them. The song also has a couple of references that will only be picked up by Brisbane locals, in the kind of inside knowledge way that adds layers to songs. “So I head straight to your apartment/ I ride the 199”. This is by far my favourite track from the EP as it’s so simple, but deals with emotions that most of us will recognise.

“Always There, Always Here” is a delicate love song with a flowing sound and beautiful underlying cello. “The Hunted” is a cruisy song with gentle vocals and acoustic guitar.

The Deepest Dive is pretty easy to relate to; after all, we’ve all been on the cusp of major life changes. The EP is full of heartfelt declarations of Carroll’s feelings about his upcoming migration, and is likely to squeeze a tear from anyone going through something similar. This is lovely folk music with a hint of nostalgia, a bit of fear for the future, and lots of tender sentiments- powerful stuff.


TimothyTimothy Carroll