The Cassettes are revered across the US as Washington D.C.’s premiere “vaudeville steam-punk” band. This "Musical Explorers Society" is fronted by Mr. Shelby Cinca, formerly the voice and guitar behind such notable D.C. groups as Frodus and Decahedron.
Rogue Records is proud to announce the licensing of their third album ‘Neath The Pale Moon’, available through Inertia on 29th March.
Joining visionary front man Shelby Cinca, is D.C. local Saadat Awan, who has perfected the art of the tabla, a percussion instrument used for centuries in the music of the South Asian Subcontinent. He was quickly put to work learning the drum lines from the earlier music and before long had augmented the band's sound with his own vocals and tabla playing. At this time Shelby made a decision to steer the future of the band's sound towards a Beatles/ Rocky Racoon/Honey Pie influenced path.
The next recruit was close friend and kindred soul Stephen Guidry. Hailing from the swampy flatlands of Louisiana, Guidry was initially recruited to add his touch to several demos. In less than a month, he had joined the band as an official member on analogue synthesizers and Cajun-style accordion, contributing to the band’s second album ‘O’er The Mountain’ (2003).
Lastly but definitely not least, Theremin expert Arthur Harrison fulfilled the band’s destiny when he was recruited at the last minute at a show in Virginia to fill in for Guidry’s missing keyboard sounds. As proved by his impromptu performance, the affinity between the group was unmistakable and Arthur would end up official joining the band at the end of 2003.
In 2006 The Cassettes signed to Buddyhead Records (owned by Aaron North of Nine Inch Nails/Icarus Line fame) after completion of ‘Neath The Pale Moon’. The 3-years in the making album saw long time Frodus producer Jonathan Krienik back into the fold to refine The Cassettes' synth-infused country stomp.
The unique hybrid of musical styles that represents The Cassettes makes for a highly uncategorizable listen but gives the group a considerable palette from which to craft their memorable songs. Looking forward, backward and sideways, The Cassettes have made their presence known and they invite all to come along on a journey to mythic lands and forgotten time. Check out The Cassettes' performing "Lady Faire" live at NYC's Knitting Factory:
"Neath The Pale Moon" will be out 29th March 2008 on Rogue through Inertia.
