Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Review: The Cast Of Cheers - Family

The boil in the bag success of The Cast Of Cheers debut album 'Chariot' trust a band essentially still in its infancy, perhaps even still in the womb for all extensive purposes into the limelight before it truly had a chance to begin. Their sophomore album 'Family' is a more mature and well rounded album then their debut, gleaming with ten silky tracks of controlled aggression. A punishing two year touring schedule has honed their sound, harmonies, and songwriting skills, considerably. The acquisition of a label has resulted in a more polished, professional sound. Miraculously, without losing any of the teeth of 'Chariot' in the process.

Frenetic indie dance floor single Family sets out Cast of Cheers new refined sound. The syncopated post rock guitar riffs create a lush, dense, sense-pounding mixture as Conor Adams invites you to dance with his instantly recognisable speak/shout vocals passionately repeating "I will need another home, I will need another family"  The static bass punch of Pose Mit emerges from looped drums and guitar to become an energetic call and response led vehicle -with obvious reference points to Bloc Party- punctuated with tropical post rock riffs and swirling drum fills. its just as satisfying as opener Family.

Containing one of the catchiest choruses you're likely to find this year Human Elavator, is a radio friendly sugar-rush of glam dance electro riffs, rapped in a cynical lyric about the throwaway user nature of modern society which brings us "to the bottom where we all get out".  Animals continues the albums frenetic pace, but this track veers into 'Pinkerton' territory with the guitar work paying homage to Weezer's finest efforts in places.

Surprisingly Palace And Run is a slow paced lament in comparison to the previous material on the album its sweet and subtle intro shows a gentler side to The Cast Of Cheers. A simple two note phrase slowly builds into an emotive ephemeral vocal refrain of "off with your head, remember what you saw, remember what you said" culminating in a boisterous finale. Goose sees normal  service resumed as The Cast Of Cheers deliver yet another snappy, throbbing, syncopated, indie dance floor anthem. An unsurprising single choice Goose, will no doubt be a live staple for many years to come. Marso Sava is memorable thanks to its big and bouncy drumbeat and calypso-noodle guitar lines.

Despite the large range of sounds and styles contained on 'Family' it never feels rushed or ham-fisted at any time. It is clear that The Cast Of Cheers have dedicated themselves to every note on this album. Everything is meticulously planned and executed to the highest level, even managing to make post-rock guitar licks shine in the process. 'Family' may not be the sound of the summer, but what a summer it would be.

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