“Time loves to take…”
From the band who brought us some of 2023’s most impressive, memorable and topically on point singles – the hugely successful Bad Liar, and the personal favourite Plugged. Casino is a brand new EP of originals, which categorically secures the appeal of Nashville four-piece McKay as an unmissable band.
Four original songs make up the Casino EP, beginning with the folk-rock and Americana warmth and mellow contemplation of All On My Own, and proceeding through stories and performances of equal divinity.
McKay are phenomenal lyricists, and it’s something I’ll say time and time again. All On My Own is profound and beautiful, the lyrics paint intricate, unexpected and clear images of an experience, and it’s this authenticity and sharp, smart writing style that naturally sets their work apart.
The song resolves and structurally satisfies in the way that Counting Crows once did, the style blending intimate songwriter reflections with grittier rock crescendos, and the voice leading with an accessible, distinct and characterful sense of purity.
“Back then when I was lonely, at least I cared enough to cry.”
Next is a finger-picked acoustic number called Luna. You tune in more closely now, the lyrics of the last track assuring that what follows will be equally compelling and thought provoking. We’re in something of a Brand New realm, the early 2000s long-form emotional stories, maybe a touch of the more recent Fun. – the blending of acoustic and heavier rock qualities; the quiet whispers, vocal echoes and harmonies, the diary-like musings.
Luna captivates just as effectively, and as ever, leaves you keen to replay the track three or four times before progressing. Not many acts or songwriters have that ability these days, to enthral and offer some new perspective, without sacrificing the essential relatable connection that first ignites passion in an audience.
Conceptually Casino, the title-track, explores the line between a relationship and a gamble. The writing is as vulnerable and personal as ever, fusing metaphor and stark honesty in a way that’s vivid, and the music builds up brilliantly.
McKay doesn’t just write incredible songs, they’re incredibly talented as musicians and as a creative unit. Their versatility from one song to the next is impressive, but also, their sense of nuance and identity, the vocal intricacy and structuring, all proves unmistakable with each new song to emerge. That level of grounding and artistry should serve them well in the long run.
Finally, Same is a decidedly brief song, less than two minutes in full – an acoustic strum and subtle electric guitar riff supporting a rising vocal passion and listing lyrical format. The simplicity of this song makes it all the more mighty – the looping reflections, the growing ache of overwhelming stagnancy. The song is like a soulful outcry on behalf of these feelings of inadequacy or being stuck, and its short length makes it all the more gripping; and likely to keep you coming back.
“I’m a walking work of fiction, a living contradiction… I talk but can’t explain, how I change but stay the same.”
McKay are an act upholding the realness and talent of organic, man-made bands and songwriting, at a time when we need that more than ever. They write youthfully fearless, thoughtful and intelligent lyrics, with fresh melodies and blissfully harmonised performances.
For all of these reasons, they’re a personal favourite act from the past couple of years, and Casino is incredibly special as an original project.
Casino EP out July 25th. Find McKay on Instagram & their Website.
