Another Day - Champagne Casuals
By Daffs aka @TwoDaff
Champagne Casuals may have only formed in late 2021, but the band has already created a buzz in the indie music scene. Comprised of Alex Howarth (Guitar/Vocals), Paul Goldingay (Bass), Jason Williams (Guitar), and Xander Brook (Drums), the group draws influences from Britpop legends Oasis and Ocean Colour Scene. However, their sound is unique and reflects their modern perspective on the world living in the West Midlands. A Britpop-Influenced Sound with a Modern Twist
The band's first single, 'Something kind of Spezial,' was released in November 2021. The track was described by Howarth as a modern take on The Kinks' 'Dedicated follower of fashion.' It was quickly followed by the release of 'Lovers Walk' in December 2021. After playing gigs around Birmingham and supporting some of the best up-and-coming indie acts such as Shader and Gazelle, the band headlined a gig at Birmingham's O2 Academy in August 2022.
Champagne Casuals gained recognition when their single 'Born Again Tomorrow' was featured on BBC Introducing. The song earned them interest from multiple online radio stations and music journalists. It also appears on 'Indie Citizens Volume 1,' a compilation CD/vinyl that features some of the country's best up-and-coming indie bands. The band's growing popularity is a testament to their talent and hard work.
I have Been a fan of these since first hearing their first single, not only that their name is in my opinion cool as f**ck, now they are set to release a new track ‘Another Day’ on the 16th June followed by their debut EP ‘Child of this City’. Both are highly anticipated by fans (me in particular) and the Indie music scene in general.
Subtle lead lines accentuating the gentle melodic strumming
Another Day opens with a strummed acoustic, backed with a shimmer of electric guitar, atmospheric and almost balladlike, this allows an emphasis on the vocal which is sublime delivering the opening line “You know me, think I know you…”. Its rich in tonality, with subtle lead lines accentuating the gentle melodic strumming.
A fuzz of distortion, creating an intense backdrop
The track builds, with the introduction of drums and the emphasis moves away from the strummed acoustic to the glorious lead guitar backed with a fuzz of distortion, creating an intense backdrop. Its packed with lead runs and solos akin to all we come to associate with quality Indie rock. Its not a full on in your face track, more of a ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger; style as opposed to the harder brashier stuff. But don’t get me wrong its not Oasis its just classic indie delivered in casuals’ style. Its their own sound, and its good, very good.
Backing vocals create a deep sense of emotion, harmonising the chorus
The vocal is fantastic, smooth and melodic and really stands out, the lead runs and solos are addictive, they shimmer, scintillating and exciting and give a heightened vibrancy that shines. It has an almost ethereal feel. Its full of melodies, the fantastic backing vocals create a deep sense of emotion, harmonising the chorus. Everything blends perfectly a truly great sound. A true reflection of classic indie Britpop brought forward into the modern day and delivered with style and swagger.
Lead runs and solos are addictive
Another Day is a testament to how this band has evolved, yes, their influences are plain to hear, but that’s not important, what is important is that they have used them to create a sound that is unique to them, you get hints of Oasis, you get hints of The Verve and Ocean Colour Scene but vitally you get a big hit of Champagne Casuals. Its an accomplished track that delivers on all scores. Above all it’s a beautiful song. 2023 is already looking to be a big year if this is anything to go by, with an EP coming soon they are sure to make a big statement this year. Ones to watch, Superb!
Champagne Casuals are due to play at The Victoria in Birmingham on 17th June 2023. Tickets available HERE
You can Pre-save 'Another Day' Below
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