OUT 21 MAY 2021 PRE ORDER HERE
Halifax four-piece Casino Rockets are a band that like to take their time. The current line-up of TIV WHITAKER (vocals and synths) RICK ANDERSON (guitars and vocals) DAN LEA (bass, synths and vocals) and – out of necessity – the unrecognisable CHRIS (drums) have been together since 2009 and the tracks on their debut album Reality Distortion Field have been a long time in development. But it’s here now and that’s all that counts.
The album is produced by Steve Whitfield (The Cure, The Mission, Jane Weaver) and mastered by Dez Ford (Scenius, The Fossil Collective, Klammer)
The Album starts off with “Impala”, squealing synths and a kick drum driven dance beat, and then straightening right up with electric guitar. Then the full band and the vocals kick in and we are off.
Right from the start this record feels urgent; it drives along even when it slows down. It beautifully and seamlessly blends flavours of synthesizers, psychedelia and classic indie alt rock. The feel of third track, “Only Light Can Save You” reminds me of Coldplay circa Parachutes, but there is so much going on with this album; Doves, Spoon, but it all intertwines around itself, to produce a sound that is uniquely Casino Rockets.
I’m not sure what I was expecting when I started reviewing this record, but what I got was unexpected. What Casino Rockets bring to the table is a brilliantly thought out and executed record. The songs are seriously infectious with punchy choruses, intelligent lyrics carried on great vocals. Hard to believe that this is their debut; this record is fully crafted, thought through and immaculate in its conception, taking in all shades of indie rock sitting on top of elements of electronica.
The whole thing sucks you in and keeps you completely mesmerized.
There could be and most likely will be comparisons and influences made and talked about, but I think that Casino Rockets ultimately sound like Casino Rockets and that’s a recipe for success and this record deserves success because it deserves to be heard.
8/10
REVIEW BY DESH KAPUR
Reality Distortion Field Tracklisting
· IMPALA
· PEOPLE LIKE YOU
· ONLY LIGHT CAN SAVE YOU
· SIMPATICO THIEVES
· FONZERELLI
· THE MAKER
· BLACK & RED
· DRIVE ME TO THE DUSK
· FEEL ME NOW
· KACHUMBER
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My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago and married my childhood sweetheart and life is good.
