Casiotone‘s Owen Ashworth has really outdone himself on his fourth full-length album, Etiquette. While boasting a solid cult following for years, Ashworth has seemingly kept to what he knew, i.e. writing brilliant short stories and setting them to programmed electronic music using Casiotone keyboards.
Something happened between 2003’s “Twinkle Echo” and this album that resulted in Ashworth finding a new way to display his array of fictional characters in the ever unfolding story of Casiotone for the Painfully Alone. The biggest difference is that what was once lo-fi methodical music has turned into beats that border on and are heavily influenced by dance music and hip-hop, as well as live, full band instrumentation. The production values are much better than they’ve ever been before, while still maintaining an aura of digital noise and feedback.
The track “Young Shields” sounds like a darker “Metro” by 80’s new wave icon Berlin, and is honestly every bit as good. Joining Ashworth on Etiquette are a slew of musician friends and guest vocalists, which all adds to the grand scope of this just over thirty minute long full-length. Even with other folks singing, the brilliance of Ashworth’s songwriting and lyrics come through as strong as ever. If you’re familiar with C.F.T.P.A. then you’re going to be delighted by Etiquette, and if you aren’t this is the one you want to start with.
Chris Smith
Casiotone for the Painfully Alone (Tomlab)