Casual Interference - Inaugural

Casual Interference

Inaugural 
self-released; 2014

3.8 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Hailing from Austin, TX, Casual Interference is a four-piece rock band composed of violin, guitar, bass and drums. They recently released a five-song EP entitled Inaugural that contains instrumental indie rock. It almost as if you took a band like The Strokes who had a bit more influence from Radiohead and replaced the lead singer with a violin.

The guitar, bass and drums often feel separate from the violin. I say that in a good way. It often feels like the bass, guitar and drums are an anchor that creates a canvas for the violin to dance upon. Upon my first listen I thought vocals would be beneficial but after a couple of spins I ended up not missing them at all. 

The band jumps right out of the gate with “Acquiesce.” It combines jangly loose guitar chords, with a drum beat and bass line that provides the energy. Once the violin enters it pretty much carries the rest of the song. It is the most prominent instrument within the mix in which my ear kept on gravitating towards.

The band takes it down a notch with the atmospheric and melancholy “Acceptance Speech.” They introduce either a synth or an organ into the mix, which adds soothing, subtle ambience. The violin is still the focal point as its sad strings provide moments of solace and hope. 

“Song 1” gives no warning about the frenzy that ensues only getting more intense as it progresses while “The Deserter” contains some of the best drumming on the album. The close with a catchy song entitled “New Day,” which really does sound like the perfect mesh between The Strokes and Radiohead.

If it wasn’t for the violin the songs here might fall a bit flat. Fortunately, it replaces the need for a lead vocal and makes the EP an enjoyable listen. Overall, there is a lot to embrace with Inaugural.

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