Postmodern Concert Depression-A Night with Casio Ghost
Article written by Destiny Ross and photos by Alec Moody
The crowd inside Urban Lounge this Friday night, buzzed with anticipation as we have all been awaiting the events that would occur tonight. Local indie band, Casio Ghost, planned an amazing night for us for the debut of their album live! Their album “Postmodern Blues” was released earlier this week on July 23rd, this was the band's first full-length album, and it sat and aged like fine wine for a reason. A stacked lineup accompanied them as they filled their audience with the fans of fantastic local artists such as; The Mellons, Beatnik, Cool Banana, and of course their own. The fans began trickling in as the murmurs grew with excitement and the lights began to spin as the stage was being filled by the first act.
Urban Lounge is beloved for its ability to be personal yet have great lighting/freedom for set design. That was made very apparent when all you see lining the stage is a variety of vintage memorabilia, plushies in every corner, and a big bright beach umbrella right in the middle. The stage was properly set to accompany the first act, Cool Banana. The wacky bandmates each came out in their outfits, all of them seemingly based on their vibes and/or personality traits. The personalities of the bandmates shined through in between tracks as they conversated with the audience and told us a little bit more about themselves. Their songs ranged from wacky, ironic songs about candy to songs taken off guitar hero. Each track they played was ridden with the same infectious funk that got you moving, regardless of if you had heard them before.
FIND COOL BANANA ON INSTAGRAM AND SPOTIFY
After a short, but sweet, intermission allowing the bands to change out their sets, Beatnik was set to take the stage. The lead singer, Peter LaBarge, took a seat in front of a keyboard, and leaving no time to waste, the funk began promptly. The music that followed enveloped you in a disco groove and before you knew it the disco ball came out to match the energy given off of the band. As the night grew later and the set kicked into high gear, Peter left absolutely, no one out as he practically demanded every person to get into the music and let it flow through them. After a whole set, I can positively say without a doubt, this band combines disco and jazz almost seamlessly… The entire audience seemed to be under the same spell as me, Beatnik Fever.
FIND BEATNIK ON INSTAGRAM, BANDCAMP, AND SPOTIFY
Just when you thought the funk and groove couldn’t get better, The Mellons put the cherry on top as they take the stage. The Mellons serve what can only be described easily as the modern-day Beetles. Their entire aesthetic is riddled with 70s-esque colors and designed while being able to personify that exactly throughout their discography. The group of four each wearing matching yellow orange, ring tees as they played into the looks to encourage the feeling of harmony in even more aspects than the average. The little details that The Mellons provide separate their music from others in this generation. They put effort into the small details like having a trumpet stand, having a variety of merch, and a variety of tempos in their songs. This group put a smile on your face and a tune stuck in your head.
FIND THE MELLONS ON INSTAGRAM, SPOTIFY, AND THEIR WEBSITE
The lights began to light the stage after waiting for what we’ve all been waiting for… Casio Ghost. The crowd erupted in a sea of cheers and screams as they take the stage after a long night of fun-filled sets. We all knew what we were waiting for, as tonight was the first night that fans got to hear their newest album, Postmodern Blues, played front-to-back live. The album has some re-released tracks giving room for long-time fans to sing along, while also having the super-fans singing the lyrics of the newest tracks. The craving for the sensation of Casio Ghost’s music is infectious as their energy radiates with every word that is spoken from them.
Introducing their project to us for the first time, they begin to start the first track “Bullet” shortly followed by “Everything That’s Hurt You”. Both of these tracks show the talent of having an insane diversity in the band. “Bullet” brings what I feel to be more of their psych-rock side with its countless guitar riffs all while the tempo builds and builds, leaving you wanting more. Whereas “Everything That’s Hurt You” takes a step into their slower-paced cowboy-esque rock. Lead singer/guitarist, Tanner Waite, has stated he thinks of his band’s genre to be “existential cowboy rock” and this song is a prime example. It has examples of those raw vocals, laced with beautiful melodies, and heartfelt meaning.
Being able to experience this band in person was a special treat, especially as a local! Their chemistry of them as friends and bandmates was highlighted even more. The ability they had to bring that personal aspect of being able to talk to/interact with the audience more. They even emotionally opened up as Tanner spoke on “New Sincerity” and gave cheers to his dear friends that have passed and inspired said song. The emotion in their set rang clear and close to home as each song had a different level of intensity than on the recordings… But that is a beauty of a live playthrough. As the night grew later, the album came closer to its end and the audience grew louder as each song filled the room with a rock-filled twang. After experiencing Casio Ghost live, they truly have nowhere to go other than up.
Relive the night with this playlist of the setlist of irreplaceable tunes.
