The Cassettes

Neath The Pale Moon

[3.5/5] It’s official: The Cassettes have cornered the market on rock ’n’ roll swagger. Buddyhead Records’ latest offering exudes the kind of cool confidence that made rock ’n’ roll popular when Chuck Berry first told the world about a woman named “Maybelline.” It’s now 2007, however, and things are different. In addition to the more rhythm fueled aspects of ’Neath The Pale Moon, there’s some strong folk elements that allow vocalist Shelby Cinca (formerly of art-punk powerhouse Frodus) to smoothly deliver the words over some subtle mandolin twang. It’s impressive how the band sound at home playing both styles, and it means that the album flows quite well no matter the speed, distortion or lack thereof. “Sweet Virginia,” a song strategically placed in one of the record’s slower swells, accentuates the Cassettes’ vocal prowess with the inclusion of Christina Frances’ delicate and beautiful offerings. One part folk, one part rock ’n’ roll, one part cohesion. It just adds up. (BUDDYHEAD) Jordan Rogowski