“Andrew Nabuco, 3 mics, and a bedroom full of toys.” Those are the listed band members on Casa Castile’s Facebook page. Apparently, Andrew works quite well alone, as evidenced by the swirling, multi-faceted “Lights, Flashes” and the understated pulse of “Haunted Ecstasy.” These tracks are from his soon to be released debut EP, which inexplicably has not yet been picked up by a label.
“Lights, Flashes” starts off with an unusual vocal treatment, similar to Phil Elvrum from The Microphones in its organic feel. As soon as you comprehend the flow of these vocals, however, Nabuco strips them away, leaving only a creeping bassline dressed up with a few production tricks. Don’t get too comfortable, though, because these are quickly submerged beneath strummed guitars and ghostly oohs and ahhs. Somewhere in the distance, a banjo enters the fold and carries the song to its ‘logical’ conclusion. Quite an adventure in 3:17.
“Haunted Ecstasy” is similar in that it has ideas bulging at its seams. It kicks off with just enough guitar fuzz before settling into a slinky bassline that dominates the first half of the song. Never one to dwell on an idea for too long (even a good one), Casa Castile ultimately shelves the bassline in order to build a melody around his vocals and a rotating cast of effects. By the end of the track, you won’t even remember where you started. It is this ability to subvert your expectations that makes Casa Castile’s music so alluring. Now, someone please sign this kid so his EP can see a physical release.
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Casa Castile – “Lights, Flashes”
Casa Castile – “Haunted Ecstasy”
