ALBUM REVIEW: The Casper Fight Scene – S/T

‘…an earnest and a whimsical listen that embraces a distinctive and painfully nostalgic feeling…’

Based out of Marquette, Michigan, The Casper Fight Scene have been working their way up through the emo ranks for a little while now. The four-piece released their debut EP, ‘Good Deal’, back in 2022, and quickly followed that up with ‘Haymaker’ in 2023.

Since then, the band have gone on to become a name that those who are paying attention to emo should recognise, with an appearance an Excellency Music Festival coming later this year. Ahead of that, the band have released their debut full-length record, ‘S/T’, and are here to show that the buzz around them is worth believing.

‘Summer’s End Smoke Out’ is a glittering, punchy emo anthem that not only breaks open the album perfectly, but sets a gorgeous, nostalgic, bittersweet tone. The instrumental climax is wonderfully performed, with electrifying tapped guitar work. ‘Cadillac Deathtrap’ features bristling riffs over driving percussion, laced with a brilliantly infectious energy; it guarantees that you’ll be screaming along by the end.

‘Geezer’ is a wonderfully dreamy number, with shimmering instrumentals being draped in catchy yet understated vocals. ‘Motorcycle’ continues to build upon these melancholic ideas, and becomes a hypnotic, cinematic number in the process, featuring a brilliant little rhythmic switch-up that lends the track something of a heartland rock feel.

‘Callous’ is a heartfelt acoustic ode to self-improvement against all odds, and perfectly encapsulates the mood of the album; the knowledge that there is a better you beneath the trauma and scars, and the frustration of not knowing how to make them bloom into being.

The record reaches its highest point with the beautiful yet mournful closing number, ‘Digital Spliff’. The stripped back introduction, with gentle guitar picking and wavering vocal melodies, is wonderfully contrasted by the explosive instrumental climax; it’s a cathartic eruption of grief that retains the wistful essence that the rest of the record possesses, making for a truly powerful closing statement.

The raw production and understated vocals throughout the record enables it to not only flow cohesively, but maintain a certain intimate feeling. For those who enjoy their music on the more polished and melodic side, then they might not find much to enjoy here; the hooks are present but they certainly aren’t the focus. However, for those looking for something that feels confessional and cathartic, whilst still giving you a reason to move, then this record is absolutely worth a listen.

What The Casper Fight Scene offer on this debut record isn’t going to revolutionise emo, but it may help transform them from cult-favourite rising stars, to the next headliner of your favourite emo fests. ‘S/T’ is both an earnest and a whimsical listen that embraces a distinctive and painfully nostalgic feeling; the mourning of the person you know you should be, and the life you should have. It may have been released in January, but this record is an essential summer listen for emo fans.

RATING: 76/100 – Mostly Very Good

For Fans Of: Charmer, Kerosene Heights, Arms Length, Free Throw, A Place For Owls

Physical copies are available to purchase here.

Follow the band on social media below:

Instagram // Spotify