Music Reviews

The Cassettes

The Cassettes

Lovitt

Washington, DC’s The Cassettes have the British pub rock thing of the ’90s going on their first album, coupling the layered guitars of Oasis with Kula Shaker’s unsubtle psychedelia. Actual considered songwriting regularly takes the backseat to extended jams and longish solos, and while that may work wonders in a live setting, it all leans a bit towards the dull side as evidenced on here. The band’s performances are energetic and pumping, but when they don’t have the material to match, it all seems somewhat purposeless and lacking in direction and general focus. A few standout tracks do lift the band above your average psych-rockers, mind, with “Alright With the Days” and “The Improbable Solution” being two particularly fine examples. One does suspect, though, that the album would benefit from a more focused production and some heavy editing-down of the jammy bits.

Lovitt Records: http://www.lovitt.com


Recently on Ink 19...

Swans

Swans

Event Reviews

40 years on, Michael Gira and Swans continue to bring a ritualistic experience that needs to be heard in order to be believed. Featured photo by Reese Cann.

Eclipse 2024

Eclipse 2024

Features

The biggest astronomical event of the decade coincides with a long overdue trip to Austin, Texas.

Sun Ra

Sun Ra

Music Reviews

At the Showcase: Live in Chicago 1976/1977 (Jazz Detective). Review by Bob Pomeroy.