Reviewing “indie” — whatever that actually means these days — always presents me with a problem. I like what I like, and this isn’t usually my thing. So when something genuinely great turns up, I don’t have a neat frame of reference. I just have instinct.
Here’s what I do know about Cast. I saw them open for Liam Gallagher on the opening night of his Oasis tour in Sheffield and thought they were superb. Then “Yeah Yeah Yeah” arrived — and that feeling was confirmed.
“Poison Wine” sets the tone beautifully. With PP Arnold guesting, this is genuinely timeless rock ’n’ roll — the sort of song that could have emerged at almost any point in the last 60 years. The backing vocals add a real sense of ebullience, lifting it without ever tipping into excess.
“Don’t Look Away” slows things down, drifting straight out of the 60s but with real pedigree. The guitar work and, crucially, the sound itself are absolutely sensational.
“Calling Out Your Name” soars with a smile on its face, carrying a distinct Spector-esque Wall Of Sound flavour that feels both grand and completely natural.
“Free Love” might sound like it came from a commune somewhere, but the strings are superb — and honestly, who wouldn’t like a bit more love in 2026?
There’s a haunting guitar line running through “Say Something New”, before “Way It’s Gotta Be (Oh Yeah)” brings an almost soul-like swagger — with PP Arnold returning to underline the point in bold.
The acoustic, folk-tinged “Devil And The Deep” adds real depth (no pun intended), while “Weight Of The World” is a genuine highlight. I’ve always been a sucker for someone who sings in their own accent, and this wears its identity proudly.
The skill on display with the album’s build toward its later choruses is remarkable — songs feel warming and familiar without ever sounding like covers. And when it closes with “Birds Heading South” it does so exactly as it’s spent most of its running time: classic-sounding, soaring, polished class.
Here’s the thing. You don’t get to play stadiums 30 years after you formed unless you’re really good. And make no mistake — this is exactly that Yeah” is exactly that, even if I hate mouths and am petrified of the dentist, so the cover freaked me out. So it’s no, no, no, to that bit of “Yeah Yeah Yeah”, even if the rest of it is great.
RATING: 8.5/10
