"The you in this song is a real person..." Cassels second EP opens in a blunt and direct way. A style built to popularity by punk rock two-pieces like Drenge and Slaves over the last few years, the two brothers from Oxford now attack it with an apathetic yet youthful view on reality. It's refreshing to hear songs about the NHS and social media which don't dumb down or glamorise and Cassels achieve it without sounding unnecessarily crude.
'You Us and They' - the title track - attacks the political minefield of the NHS. "Why don't they gas the polling station as we line up to vote" lyricist Jim shouts at the climax to the track, a sentiment reflecting a large proportion of public opinion. At the end of the day that's what's going to make a band like Cassels, they're not easy on the ear - it's music for the angry but more importantly music with a meaning.
Once you take away the excellent lyrical part of the band you're left with something that is interesting and musically different. The jarring and jumpy punk riffs give Cassels a sound resonating with the new breed of 21st century punk that's slowly rearing it's head and yet retains an air of individuality.
In a time filled with the kind of discontent towards the establishment amongst young people not seen since the 70's, punk could be back and now that Slaves, Drenge and many more have opened the door to the wider audience, it could be Cassels time to burst right through it. Everywhere in this EP from the politics of 'You Us and Them' to the apathetic attitude of 'Ignoring All The Tunnels & Lights' and the frantic 'Well Fed Worms In A Graveyard' this EP screams potential.
(8.5/10)
-Luke
The EP is released on 12th August 2016 via Big Scary Monsters with two EP release shows before and after the date
Cassels also head out on a co-headline tour with itoldyouiwouldeatyou in September:
11th September - Green Door Store, Brighton
12th September - Whiskey Jar, Manchester
14th September - Santiagos, Leeds
15th September - The Cookie, Leicester
17th September - Birthdays, London
The EP is released on 12th August 2016 via Big Scary Monsters with two EP release shows before and after the date
Cassels also head out on a co-headline tour with itoldyouiwouldeatyou in September:
11th September - Green Door Store, Brighton
12th September - Whiskey Jar, Manchester
14th September - Santiagos, Leeds
15th September - The Cookie, Leicester
17th September - Birthdays, London
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