Drawing us in with a textured, syncopated drums performance, and an astral melody, Casual Americans open Cowards with dimensionality and philosophical prose as we experience the lyrics, “Do we have to stop? Do we want to start a war? Cos I might be a coward…”
The opus expands with an intentional nature, and thought-provoking depth with psychedelic nuance as we are plunged into a highly zeitgeist frame of mind by the rising five-piece. We appreciate the power pop adjacent harmonies and the introspective themes that Cowards taps into.
The subversion of the title itself aside, the actual message of the song feels relatable and aligned to the individualistic yet peaceful values of mainstream society in a time when we are experiencing peak global turmoil, by spotlighting themes of conflict, apathy, and the struggle between action and inaction.
Cowards explores the internal struggle of whether to take action or remain passive in the face of potential uncertainty. The song reflects on the ease of doing nothing and the temptation to conform, contrasted with a cynical acknowledgment of life’s challenges and a desire to make a significant impact. The lyrics suggest a tension between fear and courage, action and inaction, and ultimately, the quest for meaning and purpose in a complex world. Cowards is laced with poetic prowess, and the band demonstrate nothing short of instrumental mastery with their performances, and the dynamic and timeless soundscape that they manifest.
Formed in Athens, Georgia, Casual Americans is comprised of Justin Reynolds on vocals and guitar, whilst Chris Matthis slays on drums, Kyle Deloach shares his skill on guitar and keys, Daniel Ard performs bass, and Ben Butler plays guitar. We learn that the group of seasoned musicians has been playing professionally for over a decade.
Emerging just before the pandemic, the year 2020 provided Casual Americans with extra time to experiment, record, and refine their craft. The result is a sound that draws comparisons to Beck, Spoon, and The Shins, while featuring vocal harmonies reminiscent of The Beatles and the Beach Boys‘ Pet Sounds era, although there is no doubt that the five-piece are forging a unique identity unto their own.
We love what Casual Americans deliver, and have added Cowards to our New Music Spotlight playlist, whilst we continue to stream the entirety of their self-titled album, and anticipate future releases from the talented creators.