SUPERMEGATREND

The music of 2012: The Cast of Cheers - Family

Cheers? I can’t say I was the biggest fan of the 1980’s/90’s sitcom, I’m a Seinfeld fan till death. Evidently Irish foursome Conor Adams, Neil Adams, John Higgins and Kevin Curran feel differently on the issue. But come on now, The Cast of Sein? Definitely a missed band name opportunity.

All prejudices aside, there is no denying that The Cast of Cheers’ sharp, intricate guitar riffs follow the math/indie rock mold set by groups such as early Foals, Bloc Party or The Maccabees.  Their latest release Family, follows the 2010 self-released record Chariot which logged over 150,000 downloads on Bandcamp and received a nomination for Irish album of the year. Family exemplifies the band’s significant growth since their debut, hungry to avoid the sophomore slump a band of fellow countrymen experienced in 2012. 

Conor Adams’ vocals range from coarse yelps to impassioned chants, sitting comfortably on both the dancefloor-ready pace of tracks such Pocé Mit and Trucks at Night as well as the downtempo reflection of Palace and Run and Marso Sava. While they don’t redefine indie math rock, The Cast of Cheers succeed through their impeccable execution of the staples of the genre - frenetic melodies, catchy lyrics and a polished precision throughout all tracks (no doubt helped by producer Luke Smith). 

They’re not yet in a place where everyone knows their name, but The Cast of Cheers are well on their way, right at home amongst 2012’s best releases. So put your sitcom elitism to one side and your air guitar just below your chin – give it a pluck, you just might like it.

Buy Family by The Cast of Cheers here.