Cassino - Kingprince

There are bands that once existed and didn't leave an obvious mark on the scene but those who actually knew them miss them terribly. Northstar is one of those bands. A small yet flawless discography in their favour, the alternative/emo rock band from Alabama broke up in 2005. From the ashes of Northstar was created Cassino by singer/guitarist Nicolas Torres and guitarist Tyler Odom. The latter left the band a few months ago to join ex-Straylight Run's Michelle DaRosa's new band, Destry. After an impressive self-recorded, produced and released debut two years ago, Cassino is back, as Nick alone (not literally if you consider the number of musicians accompanying him) with 'Kingprince'.

The very first thing that will cross the fans' mind is that all the songs aren't new. Indeed, three tracks are re-recorded versions of songs featured on previous effort 'Sounds of salvation'. The slight disappointment may be legitimate but at least the band's justification was true: they do sound better re-arranged. Even 'Ice factory' that wonderfully closed 'Sounds of salvation' is deeper and more powerful. For those who didn't have the chance to give a listen to Cassino, they play a delicate acoustic indie rock with strong folk roots. Expect Northstar having an intimate acoustic jam in a backyard with Bon Iver, Ray Lamontagne, Iron And Wine and Owen. The album opens on the exciting and full of promises 'Djom'. The intro is quite long and so are most of the songs (two of them are above the sixth-minute mark), which isn't what you'd expect from a folk record. But there are a lot of instrumentations, from mouth-organ to mandolin, and they create a haunting, absorbing atmosphere. The strings are still very well used, with an emphasize on violins ('The gin war'). While listening to 'Kingprince', you can picture the guys playing on the porch of a house in the middle of the woods. This record is meant to be listened while walking on fallen leaves, while looking at the window of a car, while swinging in a rocking chair, while having a campfire. Well, actually it just takes you there. It is related to simple and true things, to love and to nature. It's even simplier and more stripped-down than the first album, but somehow it requires more time though. It takes the best of every kind they're approaching and makes it an epic yet simplistic combination that just flows naturally. Nick Torres also proves once again he is one of the most underrated songwriters of his generation. His lyrics are subtle, fragile, full of delicate imagery and pretty turns. See for yourself: "Maddie’s always moving / She’s flying down the aisles / Got both hands in her pockets / Trying to keep the balance mild / Her motions like a movie, slicing constant air / The wires are electrifying her phosphorescent hair / I have seen the hunger, soaking through your shirt / Sunken eyes found alive but smashed under the dirt" ('Maddie Bloom'). Many listeners will probably find the album repetitive at first, as the songs kind of blend together and may sound the same at the first listen, but when you really committ yourself to discover Cassino's music, you'll find out so many amazing subtleties that you'll love. It makes you wonder if you genuinely regret Northstar's break-up...

It seemed really unlikely, but Cassino have topped up the quality of their previous record. They've matured and grown in their sound, creating a brilliant second effort. Honestly, this isn't even the kind of music I usually listen to, but there are albums which greatness you can't deny, no matter your preferences. You have to recognize it when an album doesn't follow a trend, and 'Kingprince' does not, it will last long. It is made of timeless, truthful music.

4.5/5

Recommanded if you like:
Iron And Wine, Sufjan Stevens, Northstar
Check also:
Good Old War, Destry, I Can Make A Mess Like Nobody's Business

www.myspace.com/cassinoband
(Self-released, 2010)