Review: Twin Mind by Casey Jo and the Friday Night Dads

Millions of people have desired to play, perform, and write music for a rock band since The Beatles graced the TV set. Classic rock music has a huge influence on the type of music I play and listen to today and I enjoy hearing new bands who pay homage to it. However, plenty of rock bands are so influenced by the sound of the early old guard rock bands that in their own 21st century rock bands have, at times, been unable to offer something uniquely their own, something that can’t already be found in your Led Zeppelin or your Black Sabbath.

Nashville, TN based energetic rock outfit Casey Jo and the Friday Night Dads is a group that does contribute a unique sound while still paying respects to their influences. They keep the music true to what fans of rock music traditionally look for while not being strictly traditional. Twin Mind has a large spread of genres and tastes presented in the mold of rock n roll. You can hear elements of punk, blues, americana, and pop weaved into this record, freshening a familiar style, and creating something uniquely Casey Jo and the Friday Night Dads.

The album sets the stage with a head bopping heavy blues rock track with vocals that instantly catch you and then moves into possibly the catchiest tune on the album ‘Telephone’. It really grooves and has a spooky vibe throughout just in time for Halloween. Underneath the rugged style and hard-hitting drums are songs that make you smile and feel hopeful. ‘(It) Keeps Me On The Run’ feels like a soaring power pop song mixed with heartfelt country harmonies to sing along to in the chorus. The record continues this style mashup with contemplative americana-esque songs. ‘Kerouac’ is so personable that I’m sure many people can relate to it whether it’s how they feel currently or how they felt in another time in their life. The line “More free than I ever wanted to be” is one of those key lines that truly resonates in different ways for anyone. The record eventually starts to return to its gritty beginnings in the last half with ‘Sisters in Prison’ which begins classically blues in feel and subject matter, then speeds into ferocious heavy rock by the end of the song. Keeping with the heavy, the record continues to feature more warm guitar and driving bass tones on tracks like ‘Howl’ that itself sounds like a punk rock anthem, before finishing with the mood lifting ‘My Own Way’.

Overall, Twin Mind is a medley of sound that is both traditional and relatable, while maintaining a crisp uniqueness that any new album can aspire to. Go give it a spin on wherever you get your music or buy a vinyl pressing from their Bandcamp.