The debut solo album from Dublin rising star Cashell draws from a sweeping collection of influences, yet nonetheless succeeds in achieving remarkable cohesion. Rooted in Ryan Cashell’s personal experiences — principally, emigrating to Scotland during the pandemic — “If, by chance, estranged…” stands as a mature and polished debut.
Cashell navigates several distinct styles throughout the record. He begins with harder, punk-infused tracks, dabbles with electronica, introduces analogue warmth, and incorporates with great success an infectious California surf energy.
One aspect of the album that immediately strikes the listener is Cashell’s ability to create atmosphere. The gentle prelude offers a warm, ambient opening before breaking into a brief burst of the heavier indie rock that follows. Later in the record, “Pushing Away” transports us straight to the sun-drenched promenades of Crete.
“A Little Time in The Sun (Live from 1971)” leans into that nostalgic California surf aesthetic, immersing the listener in a hazy seaside afternoon along the Pacific Coast. The track’s psychedelic edge makes it all the more intriguing; the slightly blurred set of memories paired with a retro feel creates a compelling soundscape. “Ferris Wheels” relies on that same twinkling, electronic quality, maintaining a sense of anticipation throughout.
Lyrically, the album is defined by a sense of fatigue, a subtle dissatisfaction, and a constant ache to belong. The energetic, post-punk single “Game Show” centres on a struggling man who appears on television game shows to try to change his luck. The song’s bridge serves as its emotional highlight, laying the character’s pain bare.
The brand of rock within “Said and Done” is rawer again, lamenting a man’s failed attempt to find meaningful connection through pubs, charity, and religion. Meanwhile, the beautiful “Around Town” emerges as one of the strongest tracks on the record, its melodic warmth belying those recurring themes of struggle and exhaustion.
The musical influences and sonic echoes of the Brass Phantoms frontman are apparent throughout the record. Fans of Foals will enjoy “Said and Done” and “Around Town” in particular; their riffs and driving atmosphere carry a ‘What Went Down’-style sensibility. The album also channels the more rock-oriented side of Two Door Cinema Club. Elsewhere, past comparisons to LCD Soundsystem still ring true.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the album, however, is Cashell’s ability to balance sunny nostalgia with listless melancholy. “Take It Easy” provides an expansive, anthemic highlight. It speaks of home, but from a distant perspective. “These Things Take Time” insists “I’m not worried…” in the lyrics, but the subtly mournful melody says otherwise. “Pushing Away”, that most atmospheric of tracks, similarly blends a summery feel with lyrics full of regret and self-deprecation.
The album is not without minor flaws. The distorted production style occasionally obscures the vocals — “Terraced House” would be a much improved song if Cashell’s vivid memories of his Dublin childhood were easier to decipher. The momentum dips slightly towards the album’s final tracks.
Nevertheless, for a self-produced debut, this is an evocative, eclectic, and well-executed project.
“If, by chance, estranged…” releases on September 18th.
