Although it isn’t exactly groundbreaking in terms of its sound or lyrical approach, The Casual Lean’s debut CD “Swears” is such an energetic and effervescent opening shot that it doesn’t really matter.
The New Bedford, Mass.-based band specializes in slightly off-kilter indie rock that combines elements of punk, new wave and garage rock while retaining a sense of melody. It’s true that “Swears” often lacks focus and gives the impression that The Casual Lean is still searching for a musical identity, but that’s part of the record’s charm: It’s a sonic portrait of a bunch of young guys looking to rock out in any way they can.
Indeed, The Casual Lean’s willingness to explore different musical styles with its jittery sensibility intact is admirable. It’s an approach that’s reminiscent of bands such as The Matches, who have taken a similar route without worrying about coming across as too weird or unfocused.
It helps that the band can actually play. Guitarists Chris McClenning and Jesse Martin skillfully deliver angular and sometimes herky-jerky guitar riffs, bassist Jay Medeiros and drummer Matt St. Jean serve as a reliable rhythm section, and singer/keyboardist Justin Oliver leads the way with his ragged-yet-melodic vocals.
“The Bride” is an energetic opening track that essentially serves as a musical statement of The Casual Lean’s ultimate goal: to rock your face off (but in the band’s own unique way). As a result, although the amps aren’t exactly turned up to 11, the pace is unrelenting, the propulsive guitars thump along with the beat, and Oliver sings with nervous energy and a palpable sense of urgency.
“Keep It On” is another track that continues in a similar musical vein despite its slightly slower pace. Although the group-sung chorus is off-kilter and seems to scatter all over the place, the band is able to make the chorus work because of the intensity it brings to the track.
“Third Degree Burns” combines a slithering blues rock-esque groove with post-punk guitars as the band sings obtuse lyrics about being “inside the house when it burned.” In addition, the band occasionally provides borderline-falsetto vocals, which alone earns the song extra awesome points.
Among the other highlights of “Swears” are the final two tracks: “The Deer” and “We Made A Killing.” “The Deer” is a contemplative track that makes room for acoustic passages and harmonies from the band, while “We Made A Killing” ends things memorably with a rhythm that changes speeds so often that the song seems to be on the verge of collapse.
There are a few missteps, though. “The Dance” tries to combine the energy of punk with more atmospheric touches, but the two elements don’t hold together well, and it doesn’t help that the five-and-a-half minute-long track is simply too long. “Cut The Kite” showcases some especially exuberant vocals by Oliver as well as some decent guitar work, but the song lacks both a sense of unity and melody, and there’s a short instrumental passage at the end that adds nothing to the song.
Even though “Swears” is inconsistent and lacks a sense of cohesion, it’s still a fine debut LP that proves The Casual Lean is a band worth following in the future.
