Not a new band but a recent find for me. I was hooked from the opener “Found Factions,” which reminds me a lot of the now-defunct Careers In Science, a band I really like. Casual Drag finds a place between the more melodic, upbeat West Coast sound and the more angular Dischord bands from the other side of the U.S.A. As such, the album is not constricted by one musical path and the varied delivery keeps it sounding fresh throughout. The guitars sound really sharp and work well in tandem whilst the rhythm section drives the songs along briskly. I love the energy that comes through when listening to this and it puts me in a fine mood despite the anger contained within the songs, lyrically and musically. Definitely one of my favorite releases of the year. –Rich Cocksedge (Refresh, refreshrecs.com)