Review Summary: Got you humming along
If I feel there's one band that went under the radar, it's Northstar. It featured the most important elements of emo-ish pop punk such as incredibly memorable choruses, a youthful singing voice and honest lyrics. Despite the music being accessible, it retained its own distinct sound with songs not relying solely on power chords and even employing double bass, uncommonly found in pop punk. Cassino is the spiritual successor of Northstar, with both guitarist (including the vocalist), migrating. However, if there's one thing not migrating, it was the likeness in sound.
Sounds of Salvation is a major departure from Northstar's style. The electric guitars have been almost entirely been replaced by acoustic guitars, and drums only being used sparingly for the few rockers present on the album. Instead, the listener is treated to a more humble recording that balances relaxed, reflective moody songs, and fun, catchy ones, that makes you feel as if drifting down the rivers of the American south. The opening song "Governor" presents itself as a duality if these qualities, with a sing-along-esque verse, but a somber chorus, if you can even call it that. The next, "The Old Year", introduces the electric guitar and drums for a country rock number which will guaranteed make you hum along. The guitars are the strongest musical element on the album, delivering solid backdrops which often steal the show and greatly enhancing the soundscape and replayability.
A big plus in my book is the music's ability to unmistakenly sound southern, while not crossing the boundary of being true country. I hate country because I find it incredibly derivative and cheesy, but here, Cassino extract the best parts of it; the casual carefreeness. "New Jerusalem" and "Lolita" are super catchy rock numbers with country piano and guitar leads, "Tin Man's Throne" bass drum kick driving the song along in a friendly manner, and "Dust Went Flying" which sounds like wandering alone on the open road.
The diversity and strength of each song on its own is why I justify rating the album a classic. Every track is memorable, and I never confuse one with another. They compliment most of my moods, and give more than "just a song". The two final songs slow things down for an emotional ten minutes, quiet segments of echoed guitars and vocals emphasizing atmosphere. I often find it the case to be that acoustic music become repetetive, especially after 40 minutes, but the variations in guitar techniques, song structures and instruments utilized really make this a stunning record, and this feeling has not changed over the many, many spins it gotten.
You are left with a great sensation of having discovered an actual obscure gem just like Queen.
