The latest release from Case Trick brings out a dark-edged and alternative soundscape that walks the line between industrial, all pop, rock, and even hints of post punk that all come together to create an atmosphere that feels nostalgic but also refreshing at the same time.
The Omega album is packed with dripping guitars, swelling synths and a touch of gothic undertone that has a way of engulfing you and keeping you right where it wants to.
This album in a way, feels like a love letter to the bands and artists that inspired and influenced it as you can hear hints of all kinds throughout the course of the playthrough.
There are certain songs I feel like they have an almost live performance approach, like the players are feeding off of each other's energies the entire time and others that are completely different.
Whichever one you are listening to, you do get a full understanding of the love for the craft that this band has because these songs are done with a very particular sort of heart, and you can tell this was indeed a passion project.
Now, when people hear stuff like this if they don't understand the genres, then they might not understand where the heart and soul of the music is coming from but people who love this kind of music completely get it and will fall for this record from the first track through the last.
The aesthetic and authenticity are strongly nailed so this is really something that feels like it was a long time coming in a way.
The record is a form of escapism, and it lets you step into a different world for a certain time period.
When it's over you have to shake it off so that you can come back to reality again and reacclimate yourself.
I love albums that let you escape into them like that. It's like reading a good book or watching a good film and then stepping back out into the light of day again.
You recognize that you were somewhere else and when an album takes you there it's a unique experience so this one was outstanding.
Growing up in the 80s and 90s, this album was heavily nostalgic for me and that's how I know the aesthetic was really on the spot.
The songs were vast and slightly gloomy which is the sound that they were definitely going for, but it's all done and their unique way and again, a culmination of influences coming together.
This was a gracefully performed record delivered with a unique and loving style that makes perfect sense and with its release, we wanted to have a sit-down with the guys behind the album to find out where it actually did come from and what might be coming up next.
Here's what happened.
Minutes taken in Kansas City by Richard Channer from Shadowland Project for BuzzSlayer Blog: Hi, I'm Z from Case Trick and I'm CR.
Buzz Slayers: Okay, let's start with the Omega album! This record has a post-punk and industrial undertone to it with some great dark edginess! Where did this album come from?
Z begins: We were thrown into the Low Fi, Nostalgia Core arena after the success of "Alright" as a single and the EP "Shadowland"...
CR continues : We were working on non-narrative film soundtracks "35 cents" by Michael H. Henderson Kronografix Pictures, "Sensorium" the sequel to 35 Cents, "Ephigy" by Mark Gasper with the Yankee Oriole Company and the extras that did not fit began the collection of songs that became "Omega".
Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you as a band?
Z answers: CR was in school for Clinical Psychology, and I had begun Experimental Psychology
Buzz Slayers: What kind of things really inspire other songs for you guys?
CR answers: we work on non-narrative films with the label number9ine, evoking an emotion using the soundtrack as an extension or replacing dialogue.
Z chimes in: rather than having the characters vomit words all over each other in every scene ... these films rely on the soundtrack to connect the narrative. Allowing the audience to fill in the gaps and become more of a participant.
CR adds: Our early stuff falls into the low fi realm where the new album is reminiscent of important events in the evolution of stadium tours and anthem rock.
Richard Channer adds: A kind of Nostalgia Core phenomenon.
Buzz Slayers: This album has some great styles on it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
Z begins : Karlheinz Stockhausen's Gesang der Jünglinge, Rene Laloux, and the work of Philip Glass, Cristina Kubsich, Carla Scaletti, and Brian Eno are all great influences.
Richard Channer adds: the boys think more in an experience combining film, music vid, anthem rock, and trance. What comes out is intentional and expressive Nostalgia.
Buzz Slayers: What are all you doing when you're NOT working on music?
CR begins: we both are research scientists.
Richard Channer elaborates: the boys have developed the KHIP (Kansas Head Injury Protocol) and run a head Injury clinic at the Union Center for Cultural and Environmental Research.
Z continues: we see the need for public awareness regarding Head Injuries, which are the number one cause of disability and death in children and youth according to the WHO and CDC (World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
Buzz Slayers: Who's in all your headphones right now?
CR flatly states: For me ... Beurak, Radiohead.
Z adds: Bowie, Joy Division, Thom Yorke, Bauhaus.
CR continues: Pink Floyd.
Z adds: we always have a piece we are working on that absorbs most of our attention esp CR always is fine tuning, I like silence and to play more than to listen.
Buzz Slayers: Are you guys doing any live performances right now?
Z states: We just did the Boiler Room in Atlanta and ...
Richard Channer interjects : the boys are setting up a longer international tour as we speak and are headed out to HI Ibiza in June.
Buzz Slayers: Did you record yourselves or hit a big studio for this?
CR returns: we like the control of our own set up
Richard Channer interrupts: and number9ine likes to have control over the masters.
CR continues: after working in studios like Platnum Island and Power Station.
Z adds: especially after it became Avatar, we were more comfortable at Studio 112 and Post War in LES. We recorded some at Flymax in the Hudson Valley before setting up number9ine in Kansas City.
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
Z continues: We have a film project we have been working on for ...
CR chimes in : about 6 years, our own feature project we have been demo-ing animation on.
Z continues Rene Laloux meets Ridley Scott
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
Z states: Your money is your vote!
Richard Channer clarifies: meaning where we all spend our money is more powerful than chasing political agendas. The new album is on Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, Deezer, Amazon ...
CR continues: You Tube Music and check out the merch on Shopify under number9ine.