CRIPPLE AND CASINO - s/t

CRIPPLE AND CASINO
s/t
Radio Is Down

Croatia's CRIPPLE AND CASINO project an aura of knowledge which results in a sincere homage to what drives them to be in a band - their influences. It's as if they are answering a call of duty to make what they deem awesome, tangibly and vicariously available in their home country through them. This is a band thoughtful enough to mix the various elements and quirks of their heroes (without sounding like five different band at ones) from the late 80's and 90's DC hardcore/punk, the "real" stripped down and explosive emo of the 90s, Sonic Youth, early Built To Spill, Wipers, Girls. Vs. Boys and Jesus Lizard (just check out the trade off between drum and bass). Only, their stomping ground happens to be in Zagreb. Not California, Illinois, New York, or what have you.

At this point, it is probably quite apparent that CRIPPLE AND CASINO is no revelation. But here is a tank full of excitement, passion for the "craft", and damn good song writing. Furthermore, it works. The final product is contagious. I challenge you to not get caught up in what's on display - the sheer thrill of a band that just realized they may have mastered a sound, so to speak.
It would be a shame if you'd overlook this record.
But lets get clinical for a moment. The sound is vibrant and alive, like only simple and raw production values could achieve. Every instrument shines, due to the simple set-up. I love that. Petra's vocal performance rules as well. She stays clear of the typical mousy yelps so many punk songstresses resort to when fronting a band. Far too often the ladies adopt that sort of harmless too-gentle-for-its-own-good approach. Petra does not. She also has a secret weapon. Her screams. They are intelligible and aggressive. They get me all worked up. There is a perfect balance between those and the more clean singing. So don't go thinking it's a sappy over-load because it's quite the opposite. Both "styles" are energetic and pretty much the most intense component of the band's sound. The only vocal gripe I have is that the pattern and nuances are repetitive and predictable at times.
That being said, this is helluva catchy stuff. By all means, check CRIPPLE AND CASINO out asap.

You can stream the whole thing on CRIPPLE AND CASINO's bandcamp site. There you can also download it for free! Can't beat that deal. If you like what you are hearing, I strongly encourage you to scoop up some money and buy the physical copy of this enjoyable release and help to get this band on the international map. Here's hoping that some labels with wide distribution pick up Zagreb's best kept secret. Watch this space.
- Birkir Fjalar