Good ol’ familiar rock and roll. That is the best way to describe Tim Casey and the Martyrs’ five song EP titled You Should Know, released in May, 2011.
When asked about his influences, Tim Casey often says that there are too many to mention. Live, this band is a pure rock showcase - the Marshall stacked amps, the many guitars, all set to 11.
On You Should Know, Casey blends retro sounds to make his brand of rock and roll. His strong vocals are reminiscent of 80s type Americana rock, not as deep as Springsteen, but one can hear the influence.
In songwriting style, Casey is all over the map, but yet the songs are familiar, making them good for instant pop hits.
The title song “You Should Know” is a great example. Its well produced groove of bouncing guitar licks throughout and the echoing guitar notes at the end tell you why you should get to know Tim Casey and the Martyrs, especially if you’re a fan of guitar heavy 90s alt-rock.
If you only know Tim Casey and the Martyrs live, this 5-song disc will surprise for the change-ups.
“Miss You” has a 70s sound and its lyrics are à la “Maggie May.” Gentle lyrics such as “went to bed with you in my head, I can’t forget the things you said, when I awoke, my eyes were red, miss you” are dispersed amongst power pop guitars. This is the song that you can mindlessly hum as you tap your fingers on the steering wheel.
Perhaps the most fun song on the EP is “The Girl Saves the Day.” The guitars and organ waltz behind lines like “I feel it’s my duty to praise naturally beauty...we all like to be on her, red, blonde, brunette, and the gray, girl saves the day.” A great drinking song with its repeated lines about hair color, one can see a lively audience raising several glasses as the band exits with “The Girl Saves the Day.”
Tim Casey and the Martyrs have been making rock music for audiences in the Twin Cities and beyond for over 10 years. They can be found at many local haunts. Watch their web site for 2012 shows near you.
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