THE CLAUSE SHOW VULNERABILITY IN “VICTIM OF A CASUAL THING”
ALBUM REVIEW | THE CLAUSE – “VICTIM OF A CASUAL THING” by Morgan Hermiston
Eight years after the release of their first single, ‘Sixteen‘, Birmingham quartet The Clause make their momentous return to the mainstream music scene with their debut record, ‘Victim Of A Casual Thing‘. The production takes listeners on a journey through each member’s life up until now. With six of the tracks being singles from 2019 onwards, the time has come for The Clause to release a record inclusive of this reminiscing. With these come a further six previously unheard songs. If you’ve waited a while for this one, like I have, just know it was a worthwhile wait.
The prologue builds an anticipatory atmosphere. It’s an introduction to the addictive amalgamation of sounds and styles that have shaped The Clause into the incredibly infectious indie band that we know them to be. This album contains the quintessential indie aspects that The Clause have made their own, alongside a ballad, and lyrical goldmines.
‘I Don’t Care‘ and ‘Fever Dream‘ are singles taken from 2024 EP “Weekend Millionaires“. These two tunes alongside ‘Nothing’s As It Seems‘ secure the aforementioned signature sound. Big choruses and vibrant verses depict vulnerability and what it’s like growing up and being inside your own mind. “Twelve rounds with my own reflection” [Nothing’s As It Seems], “none of it’ll ever make sense to me” [Fever Dream] and, “I’ve looked through the window of reality and it just ain’t for me” [I Don’t Care] are perfect portrayals of this.
Speaking of ‘Weekend Millionaires‘, the title track is also present on this record. There is an emphatic energy present through the album’s entirety, and especially within this particular song. Frontman Pearce Macca asks, “can’t you see he’s a fool?” and “what’s your definition of cool?“. Comparing ourselves is something we all do, subconsciously or otherwise. The Clause capture this feeling but within a situation where we know someone deserves better, but there’s not much we can do.
The Clause are careful in their construction of lyrics. They’re intentional in their approach to writing about their own experiences, but with a vivid versatility that many will resonate with. In ‘White Life Line‘, they talk of finding a saviour in substances, a distraction or “cure that will stop my existence from being so bleak“. ‘Exception‘ talks of similar issues, mainly hiding our emotions from everyone due to fear of judgement, but that the “only exception is you“. Deeper dynamics are laced with intricate instrumentals and guitar work from Liam Deakin that still gives the tracks a familiar edge.
Another single, ‘Elisha‘, takes the band back to their roots. Referring back to their debut single, ‘Sixteen‘, Macca sings, “my discography is full of false starts” and, “clinging onto memories of sweet sixteen“. Also near the beginning of their career was single, ‘In My Element‘. I remember listening to this track for the first time and thinking I was part of the fanbase for a huge band. As the years progress, it has been a pleasure to watch The Clause become that huge band.
Big tunes like ‘In My Element‘ set the Birmingham group apart from other upcoming talents. Memorable melodies are meticulously merged with sentimentality to create timeless tunes that a fanbase of all ages have grown to love. ‘Tell Me What You Want‘ is similar to this, containing another huge chorus that will have an adoring audience singing along with them in no time. A thumping tempo is particularly prevalent, curated by drummer Niall Fennell and bassist Jonny Fyffe.
Final two tunes, ‘Pink Moon‘ and ‘Don’t Blink‘ are prime examples of how two different sounding songs can add to a common conclusion. In ‘Pink Moon‘, the more ballad-like style allows Macca a more experimental, and powerfully poignant vocal performance. Lyrics discuss coming to terms with who/what we want in life, and with hints of a Noel Gallagher solo style, it’s beautifully made.
‘Don’t Blink‘ is the longest song on “Victim Of A Casual Thing” and acts as a summary of growing up. As The Clause were school friends growing up, there isn’t a better way to conclude the record. The emphatically energy emphasises how everything can change in the blink of an eye.
“Victim Of A Casual Thing” has gained The Clause a nostalgic notoriety. It’s clear that live music coincides as a consideration in the creation of the album, with each track adding to a massive momentum. It’s taken a while for The Clause to get to this point, but they’re only just beginning. This debut album is on a level that many bands can only aspire to achieve even after numerous records.
You can catch The Clause on tour on the dates below. Having seen them live in an intimate venue, I can vouch for the fact that their shows aren’t ones you forget easily. Remaining tickets can be found here.
