Black Casino And The Ghost
EP: Falling Into Pieces
Label: Lucky Machete
Tracks: 5
Website: www.blackcasinoandtheghost.com

From the cover of this EP I was expecting all kinds of things. It's a little sinister and the name Black Casino and the Ghost didn't exactly fill me with happy images. After tentatively pressing 'play' on my CD player I prepared myself for an onslaught of heavy drums and guitars. I was way wrong. Elisa Zoot's voice popped out of the speakers with purpose and spirit on opener 'Falling Into Pieces' and before I knew it I was tapping along quite happily.

Zoot sounds like a cross between Marina Diamandis and Kate Nash, if Ms Nash had anger issues. Whatever's grinding Zoot's gears on this track she ain't taking it lying down and the whole undertone of the tune backs this up well. 'El Luchador' continues in the same style but it's got more of a flow in between the crossness. They've got an uncanny knack of being able to split your attention between the vocals and what's happening in the background. And that sounds as much fun as the front.

Ariel Lerner and Andy Treacey command the guitars and drums with enviable skill and endless talent. These guys are a match made in alt rock heaven. 'Odyssea' is a Bond theme just waiting to happen. It's got everything it should have; strong yet floaty feminine touches, lulls and key changes that work. Adele might be signed up for the next 007 tune but 'Odyssea' is waiting in the wings. 'My Bambina' sounds exactly how you imagine, a crazy Mexican dream that catches you off guard for sure.

Short and sweet it's the surprise track out of them all that lands a sneaky 'Boo!' in your unsuspecting ears and takes the EP to an entirely different level. 'On a Plane' winds down for the end beautifully. Lyrics 'Hey you another day/there could be no time for us' sounds a little downbeat but this final track is full of pent up emotions and feelings being unleashed delicately and with consideration for the listener. Black Casino have put a huge amount of effort and love into not only this track but the entire EP too. 'Falling Into Pieces' should be downloaded immediately - brace yourself for one very worn out 'repeat' button.

Emma Sutherland
http://emmasutherland.posterous.com