Cassino - Kingprince (2009)

Genre: Folk

Website: Myspace
For Fans Of: Great Lake Swimmers, Horse Feathers, Bright Eyes

It's strange how artists change and progress from one project to the next. When famous underground screamo rockers pageninetynine disbanded in mid 2003, a diverse myriad of outfits rose from the ashes that were suprisingly juxtaposing in sound: the folk of Pygmy Lush (which is comparable to this record), the post-rock of Ghastly City Sleep, the post-hardcore of Verse En Coma; all these acts are so far removed from their derivative that it makes you wonder what certain artists are capable of when introduced into a different musical setting. After highly acclaimed pop-punkers Northstar gave up the ghost, I don't think anyone could have predicted the direction the two premier songwriters have gone with their new project, Cassino. Kingprince, their sophomore release, is chock-full of wistful americana-laced folk that gives no indication - besides the occasional sneaky hook - of their previous efforts. Harmonicas, fingerstyle acoustics, swaying melodies... this is simply a joy to listen through.

ALBUM: CASSINO - KINGPRINCE