Miami’s very own Cassette has re-released Beautiful California on Atomisk Records. Originally created by Devin Smith, Cassette was formerly a one man project with no intentions of ever playing out. Once said to only have performed live one time, Cassette has regrouped thanks to the offer by Honor Roll music to release the album again but this time with a national press campaign. Honor Roll is best known for providing those in beats you hear on commercials. Atomisk Records was actually created by Devin Smith and a fellow college classmate.
Do I dare say that this CD reminds me of artists such as Death Cab For Cutie, Beck, and Air? Well, I have to when there is so much variety of style going on here. One song is all acoustic and soft while the next is full of electronic beats followed by yet another cut with punk rock style guitars. The sad thing about this CD is right when you start to get into a song it’s over and on to the next one. I would love to see the songs last a little longer than a minute, especially when some of the sounds are so intoxicating.
Starting off this thirty five track disc is “Fingernails.” At first I was not too sure about this song. There was something irritating about how he sung because it was not quite in tune, but when I gave it a second chance, I found myself digging it. “Rain Song” although a whopping forty-one seconds long was a nice instrumental to listen to as was “Union Jack.” “Streetlights” was a perfect little romantic song to end the CD. I enjoyed this track the most and could see myself listening to it on a road trip this summer.
The beats are extremely likable in most of the songs, sometimes too catchy. I am sure all sorts of rap artists out there who need a quick loop can buy this CD and find something to accommodate their need (as always, make sure you get permission…). Anyone out there who wants to create a soundtrack for a commercial needs to listen to this as well because there are a lot of sections on this release that are still stuck in my head. I think that the re-release of this CD was a great idea because I think this time it will receive a lot more attention. Although the cassette is a format of the past, this Cassette is not going anywhere anytime soon.
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