Casual Sex + Long Balls // Epic, 20.02.2014
Great show, poor turnout.
Casual Sex & Long Balls // Epic, 20.02.2014
I’d previously described bass-and-drums duo Long Balls as reminding me of Husker Du with the absurdist tendencies of Cardiacs or Flaming Lips. Tonight, I'll add New Order’s bass sound to that. Despite the self-deprecating between-song banter, songs like 'Chevy Chase', 'Terminator II' and 'Ted Danson' are strong and this lot keep me smiling for their whole set.
Despite a disappointing turn out, Casual Sex play a blinder. Hailing from Glasgow, the four piece has a sound taking its cues from their Scottish antecedents, like the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Orange Juice and Josef K, whilst (English) frontman Sam Smith's vocals add Lloyd Cole to the mix.
Songs like 'National Unity' and 'Stroh 80' are strong, hinting at the indie pop of Teenage Fanclub and Franz Ferdinand; 'Bastard Beat' is darker and harder whilst 'What's Your Daughter For' brings a Slade-esque stomp to the party.
Here’s hoping Casual Sex come back and get the much bigger audience they deserve.
Pavlis (9/10)
