CASUAL DRAG: Revolution Will Eat Itself.

This should have been written weeks ago but we’re here now and that’s all that matters.

I’ve written about Casual Drag before, and my love for them is ridiculous. Now I get to write about their new one, Revolution Will Eat Itself and it’s a proper DIY Punk work of art. Do you need to play it loud? Yes. Will it make you want to trash your room and throw shit out the window? Absolutely. I wouldn’t expect anything else from them. They are one of the most exciting bands around and they are totally feral with their sound. This beautiful and passionate aggression in the songs is just a delight.

This record is one of those that make you wish you could immediately catch the band live. I know that they are well adored in their city of sweet, sweet Glasgow but the rest of us really need to experience the joy of a Casual Drag show. Until then, we play the songs as loud as we can and on repeat. Is there any other way to do it? Nah.

The record is made up of 5 songs to melt your face and ears- and you’ve got to remember that there’s only 3 of them in the band making this stunning racket. You can’t help but instantly love them with your first listen, and this record was so easy to love. Every single song is an anthem. An anthem for those of us who are fed up- and I’m sure there’s a lot of us out there! This record has a lot of attitude but you cannot compare it to anything else. The only other band I can think of that have the same bite are Bruise Control. Some of the songs you can scream along to, but don’t let that borderline Pop feel fool you at all- this band know exactly how to hit you between the eyes.

When you listen to the record, it’s hard to believe that this is their debut EP. They’ve nailed this sound, they’ve figured out their sound so easily and it just makes you so excited to hear more from them. Every single song on this EP deserves it’s place- no fillers here! Every song will move you and make you want to immediately go to a sweaty Punk show and throw yourself about whilst covered in your own drink and probably someone else’s!

Have a fun fact: Casual Drag were formed over a cigarette break by Richard and Dominic. They share a love for the Amazing Snakeheads (Dale Barclay forever) and IDLES; and you can hear it in their music- there’s this same ferocious sound that others may fear but it sounds SO good. It’s such a comforting sound. See, some people take comfort and safety in quiet and peaceful songs- I can’t do it. I’ve tried, and I can’t. When it’s as loud as Casual Drag- then all is okay. I feel I can focus. The songs are made to be blasted out live- those snarling and gnarly vocals, the slick bass and guitar and drums adding fuel to the fire- pure heaven.

I Like It is the one you probably have to play the loudest- the drums on this are wild. Matt is one incredible drummer, the way they play the drums is so wild. All 3 of them have this raw style and approach and I think I Like It is the song that really shows this. It’s just a perfect record all the way through, and sure you’ll want more- but we’ll get it soon enough!

This is one of the finest and loudest records you’ll hear all year; treasure it and let’s all hope they do a tour soon because lord knows we need it! I know I do!

CASUAL DRAG.

 

CASUAL DRAG

 

The only good thing to come out of this virus and isolation is the fact that Nick Cave has launched a 24-hour stream called Bad Seed TeeVee. It’s magical. It’s everything us fans want, and more. Yet I don’t think any of us expected it. It’s just amazing. I’ve spent time watching it when I should have been asleep or probably doing something else. I have no idea how long it will be up for, but for now we can all get lost in the world of the Bad Seeds.

If you’re looking for a hard-hitting Garage band to blow your mind, then look no further than Edinburgh’s finest, Casual Drag. Of course, you have to play their music loud, but don’t let that make you feel that they are all noise and no substance. Far from it! They are such a joy to listen to and have a really exciting sound, and I truly hope we get more from them real soon because they are just * chef’s kiss! *

 

 

Johnny is a BIG song; it’s like it is their anthem. That last minute of the song is powerful, it’s an instrumental riot and it shows us just how brilliant they are as musicians. There’s this effortlessly cool sound going all the way through, and the way the pace is picked up to unleash this furious sound is such a brilliant thing to listen to. It’s a huge song, and that last minute or so of the song is something you cannot help but soak up. The aptly titled Isolation Island is another prime example of how talented the band are. That deliciously fuzzy guitar sound is what dreams are made of. I just love this song a hell of a lot, and to be honest it’s probably one we can all see ourselves in right now. How will we adapt to getting back to “normal?” Did normal ever exist?! Who fucking knows.

Casual Drag make anthems, they don’t just make standard songs and the fact you get this from just the three songs they have up online shows us how great they are. They are a band that are evidently going to keep on getting better and better. This is how music should make you feel, regardless of what you’re into. They just make you super excited about music and given how tough it is for us all right now- we need that excitement more than ever.

 When MC5 yelled “Kick out the jams, motherfuckers!” I think that was an instruction to Casual Drag (I know it was like 40+ years before their time, but you know what I mean!) Casual Drag definitely kick out the jams, and the rest! They have this really intense and loud sound that just leaves you itching to head to a gig. Oh man this is tough and brutal! Anyway, let’s keep borderline positive. We have bands like Casual Drag to get us through it all, and beyond. If you like your music loud, bold and intense- then you’re going to fall head over heels in love with this mighty fine band from Edinburgh. They aren’t afraid to use their instruments as weapons, and with a solid demand to be heard- you simply cannot ignore a band this great.

 

 

THREE SONGS! Three songs! That’s all they’ve got but you feel like you’ve been with them for life. Bleach Head is my favourite so far; I love the aggression on it and the snarly vocals. It’s just a strong example of how phenomenal this band are. Sign me up as their biggest fan for sure!

 

*Artwork by Conor Moore at Green Cap Design