The Casbahs – Roman Numerals (2024)
From their critically acclaimed releases to their entertaining covers of their favourite songs on TikTok, UK-based group The Casbahs win international hearts with complete ease. Originally formed in 2019 as the duo Cello, co-founders Niall Fenwick (lead vocals) and Joe Teasdale (lead guitar) embraced the North East music scene; however, as the band progressed from a two-some to a five-piece, The Casbahs are considered one of the most hard-working indie-rock bands in the area. Joined by Jack Walker (vocals and bass), Harry Mason (drums), and Steven Grainger (guitar), The Casbahs push the boundaries of indie-rock with eclectic innovation. Join us as we delve into their music with ‘Roman Numerals’.
Taken off the well-received debut album Been Here Before, ‘Roman Numerals’ is one of the band’s favourite tracks to play live so, obviously, it needed to be re-released with a music video. Been Here Before highlights the different faces of indie-rock from the upbeat ‘What’s The Hurry’ to the heavier ‘Insomniac’ and ‘Been Here Before’. ‘Roman Numerals’ embraces the line between Britpop and indie-rock with a soothing, serene, sentimental melody.
Tinged with the nostalgic sound of Dodgy and Suede, ‘Roman Numerals’ offers a tranquil laidback vibe bound in a contemporary symphony. Yet, while the arrangement is harmonic, each instrument has individuality from crashing drums, a bold bass and the soaring guitars. Interestingly, while the track has moving sentimentality with calm vocals enhancing its gentle nature, the song has an intrinsic profoundness.
Penned by Jack Walker, ‘Roman Numerals’ is like heading off on a sonic river surrounded by a hazy cinematic soundscape. The band describe the single as “quite a mellow sombre song in both sound and meaning, going overboard on references, poetry and metaphors…” Yet, while there is a haunting melancholy lingering in ‘Roman Numerals’, the grip on your heart is met by sincere hopefulness.
In addition to the single, The Casbahs released an official music video for ‘Roman Numerals’. You can view the video below or on their YouTube channel.
Find out more about The Casbahs on their Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Discover more indie-rock artists on The Other Side Reviews Indie Rock playlist:
