The Casanovas “Backseat Rhythms”

The Casanovas have always been the embodiment of unabashed rock ‘n’ roll, and their brand new album, Backseat Rhythms, carries on that proud tradition with a relentless, no-frills energy that instantly transports you back to the heyday of rock. This is their fifth album and follow up to their brilliant release, Reptilian, from 2020.

Backseat Rhythms is an amalgamation of influences, a musical journey that pays homage to their heroes while carving out their own raucous path. The obvious being AC/DC, the album title is a Bon Scott era lyric from the track Girls Got Rhythm, and also The Cult, the cover artwork is a salute to their Sonic Temple album.

Backseat Rhythms begins with the roaring The Devil in Me, a track that could easily be mistaken for a lost gem from AC/DC’s vaults. It sets the stage for an album that promises unadulterated, hard-hitting rock, and it certainly delivers. The Casanovas blend ’80s-style power chords, anthemic choruses, and blistering solos with a swagger that’s all their own.

The album’s variety is nothing short of remarkable. In The Lover, the music channels the arena rock vibes of 70s classics like early Kiss and Ted Nugent, delivering a nostalgic punch. City Streets takes a different route, with a gritty, mean groove that keeps the pedal firmly to the metal. And when Burning Up The Night kicks in, the intensity skyrockets to eleven, showcasing their sheer sonic power.

Throughout Backseat Rhythms, the undeniable chemistry between Wolfie’s dynamic drumming and Tommy Boyce’s catchy riffing shines brightly. Each track is a hook-laden delight, brimming with anthemic choruses that results in the repeated nodding of the head to every beat, creating an irresistible sonic experience from start to finish.

Backseat Rhythms is a love letter to the genre, unapologetic and electrifying, proving that sometimes, sticking to the fundamentals is all you need to create an album that rocks like a freight train.

Album Review By Darren Leach