Listen: Alive - Casual

Arriving on a psychedelic cosmic rainbow hooked onto what sounds like a life support machine, Alive enters like a rebirth and a resuscitation. It crunches and crackles - fresh brass jostling against rolling bass to create something that feels like an overly excitable crowd losing themselves in the moment… and oh, how I miss crowds. Alive feels like being free again.

Casual’s sound reminds me of Jungle, who they cite as influences… there is an obvious commercial appeal here, yet it is mixed with an authenticity. They blend hip-hop stylings with the indie-dance vibes of MGMT, falsetto vocal harmonies playfully bouncing along with the melody. The feeling I’m left with is one of fresh sneakers squeaking enthusiastically on polished floorboards, of feeling good in your new favourite outfit, of sweating with people whose sweat you like.

Casual are Amsterdam-based duo ReauBeau and Rico Dean and they feel destined for success, particularly with fans that include Edith Bowman (sample quote: “There's nothing casual about that. It is HUGE and it's currently on repeat in my house.”)

So yep… Feel Alive, and check it out below:

Casual's first single Alive is OUT NOW Do you remember how Kevin is having the time of his life in his hotel room in Home Alone 2? That's Casual. It is exactly what the name suggests: to have fun with no strings attached. It’s the circus where you go to be entertained, it’s the comedy show you go to get a laugh, it’s the world you escape to and forget about everything. Taking inspiration from artists like Jungle, Justice, Pharrell and Outkast, Casual blends modern takes on ‘70’s disco and soul vibes with a late ‘90’s hip hop bounce that result in uplifting songs - bringing you to a new world of wonders..