INDIE POP TRIO CASINOS UNVEIL EMOTIONAL NEW SINGLE ‘INESCAPABLE’

BY HEATHER COLLIER

Mancunian indie pop trio Casinos have officially released their emotional brand new single ‘Inescapable’. After garnering well-deserved attention for their coming-of-age debut track ‘No Longer Eighteen’, as well as a ‘Best New Bands’ playlist nod from This Feeling for ‘Fashion Girls’, the three-piece are clearly on a mission to take the UK indie music scene by storm.

Recorded with the band’s staple producer David Radahd-Jones at Red City Recordings, the single is an honest reflection of the toxicity and lingering feelings after a breakup, drawing much of its sonic inspiration from the likes of Lizzie McAlpine, Stevie Bill, and other artists who kickstarted their careers as bedroom musicians, such as Beabadoobee. Boasting a deeply nostalgic sound, the track is highly reminiscent of American garage bands of the early 2010s, with its starry-eyed guitar and euphoric vocals paying homage to groups like The Killers, and other Manchester powerhouses such as Blossoms and The 1975.

Already earning thousands of streams and an impressive string of accolades and endorsements, Casinos have no doubt established themselves as ones to watch for 2024. Initially penned in the band’s shared apartment, their debut single received its first major spin on BBC Introducing Cumbria’s ‘Best of 2022’ broadcast, as well as generous radio play from DJ Jim Gellatly, who presented it to listeners with a red-hot introduction: “Courteeners gave us ‘Not Nineteen Forever’, while Manchester-based newcomers offer up ‘No Longer Eighteen’ as their debut, and boy is this a tune.”

Lyrically, the trio explores the inevitable pain and naivety of being young and in love, figuring out your identity, and the wave of insecurities that often arise within modern dating, particularly in their second single ‘Fashion Girls’, where frontman Matt Johnstone details a series of failed dates with a girl caught up in the snobbery of the fashion industry. Amazing Radio’s Charlie Ashcroft described the track as “a tremendous piece of work.”

‘Inescapable’ is the perfect sequel to ‘Fashion Girls’, painting a raw and truthful portrait of missing an ex-partner’s love and touch, the music that reminds us of them, and how more often than not we try to stay in contact with an ex to soften the sting of losing them – even if it proves to be hurtful for us. A gentle acoustic combined with Johnstone’s hushed tones soon erupts into a soaring vocal and celestial guitar, the chorus building dramatically as he continues to unashamedly confess his feelings.

For a group still relatively new to the industry, Casinos’ depth of lyricism, nuanced production and undeniable talent would suggest they have been on the scene far longer than just a couple of years. With upcoming shows and further exciting announcements hopefully on the cards this year, it appears Casinos are now on course to cementing themselves as Manchester’s most ambitious emerging stars. You can listen to their latest single ‘Inescapable’ NOW.