SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: CASHIER – THE WEIGHT

CASHIER
THE WEIGHT
JULIA’S WAR

Cashier’s first full-length release is the Lafayette rock band throwing a marker down to all those who listen to them – this is heavy, unapologetic, shoegaze rock.

It works, too, at least in parts; there’s some really tuneful melodies going on here, particularly on the opening two tracks, “A Curse I Know So Well” and “Like I Do” hold together nicely as very listenable and enjoyable rock tracks. Coupled with lead vocals from the excellent Kylie Gaspard, at its best, this album feels like being caught in a storm made up entirely of Sonic Youth, Jesus and Mary Chain, My Bloody Valentine, and tour-mates Dinosaur Jr. songs, but with a fresh new twist.

Gaspard’s snarl and an all-out, balls-to-the-wall rhythm section make the album feel like a rollercoaster, but like most rollercoasters, this has ups and downs. If the album is split into two by the confusing bit of noise-rock feedback that is “For I Never Knew You,” then the second half of the album can’t match the high-octane opening.

Still, for a first EP, this is a pretty damn good effort, and it seems to be a portent of more good stuff on the way. They’re starting to find themselves, and their sound has the potential to be genuinely titanic – if they can match up with someone who can knock off the rough edges and bring their musicality to the fore, they’re going places – fast, and loud.

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