The Wingle And The Wangle
Mello Farmer, 2025
9/10
Listen to The Wingle And The Wangle Part 1
The Philadelphia outfit Casual Fantastic return with a 3rd album and first double record, where diverse ideas that take nods to the ‘70s and ‘80s are much appreciated.
Disc 1, The Moon, leads with “See The Sky”, where talking and singing enter the breezy climate and warm guitar, and it isn’t long until “Way Station” uses spirited electric guitar and expressive vocals that are met with grace.
Deeper into the first half, the rhythmic and playful “Don’t Say You Won’t Miss Me” emits some grit in it’s folk rock template, and “Living Fine” exits with a charming jangle that suits the frisky melodies.
Disc 2 opens with “Good Things”, where harmonies enter the dreamy mood, and, later on, “Sweet Darling” carries a campfire demeanor that’s bare and timeless. “Land Of The Dollar General” finishes, and uses both acoustic and electric guitar via the mesmerizing tone and immediate sing-alongs.
You might spot parallels to Lou Reed, Gene Clark, Neil Young and the Talking Heads here, as Casual Fantastic continue their eclectic and memorable formula.
Travels well with: Greg Copeland- Empire State; Alan Walker- A Little Too Late