Casey unleash the “crushing emotional whirlwind” of their debut ‘Love Is Not Enough‘ on the world today. Being the curious type, we got the band’s Tom Weaver to guide us track-by-track through the record.
“‘Bloom’ is an attempt to describe the feeling of deterioration and decay brought about by introversion through my depression. It discusses the idea that a self-deprecating cycle of blame and isolation has a tendency to take control, distracting me from any attempt to improve my state of mind; in the line “too busy pulling out my teeth to bite the hand that made me weak” teeth are used as a metaphor for self-regard and pride.
“‘Little Bird’ considers the feeling of helplessness that results from knowing a loved one is in emotional distress, but being too emotionally naïve or unprepared to help support them through it, exemplified in the lines “it took hours of silent phone calls for me to realise that just because you act with the best of intentions, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t be wrong” and “I’m sorry I could never find the words to say, I had chewed them all into my tongue; negligence has left me frail, I never asked to fall in love so young”.
“Metaphorically, ‘Darling‘ follows on thematically from the song ‘Teeth‘, making several references to the lyrics, both directly and retrospectively. It reaffirms the sentiment of loneliness in the wake of a failed relationship, and the longing to make amends without knowing how to approach the situation.
“‘Sleep‘, being one of the most aggressive compositions on the record, is an abrasive statement regarding the weight of the burden that mental health issues placed on me when growing up; personified by the line “… the hardest part of all is trying to justify self-deprecation when I am constantly surrounded by sources of love and affection”.
“‘Happy‘ and ‘Haze‘ are reflective pieces surveying a failing relationship as the rose tinted lens of hindsight fades. The house and its contents are used metaphorically to symbolise the love that a couple creates, and live within. The differentiation between “home” and “house” used in the conclusion to acknowledge that whilst a structure still exists, it is devoid of the love it once signified.
“Much as in ‘Haze‘, the spoken word piece ‘Passion Flowers‘ focuses on the reflection of time past; centring itself in the bedroom of the “home” where love was experienced most intimately. It progresses to mention the room being redecorated, and the emotions it facilitated being forgotten, but concludes in an admission of failure from both parties involved; “A defeat less gracious, and more begrudged, because even children are capable of love… but we weren’t”.
“‘Ceremony‘ vents the frustration that accompanies realising an extensive period of emotional oppression and manipulation has been suffered under the guise of a sincere relationship. The opening paragraph describes how an unrequited affection was pursued in the belief that true love prevails, only to lead into disappointment and disenfranchisement. As in Bloom, teeth are used as a metaphor for autonomy.
“‘Cavities‘ is a dedication to my brother Jack. It gives a slight insight to the medical issues that have plagued him throughout his life, but focuses primarily on the love and positive support he’s instilled in me, which on more than one occasion has saved my life.
“‘Doubt‘ was written as an admission of fault, an apology, and an attempt to communicate the thoughts and emotions which caused selfish isolation in the past. “for all of my noise I am nothing more than a sensitive child” conveys the idea that despite the abrasiveness and emotional intensity often portrayed in Casey’s music, it is often an attempt to mask a feeling of vulnerability and guilt.
“‘Mourning‘ could be considered as the sentimental progression of the song ‘Hell‘, utilising a small section of the original composition to echo the emotions conveyed within it. As a conclusion to the album, Mourning discusses the realisation that a relationship and it’s ensuing period of emotional instability are truly over. The crescendo bringing the record full circle, retrospectively referencing lyrics from Bloom, before closing with an updated rendition of the Hell chorus.”
‘Love Is Not Enough’ is out now via Hassle Records. Get on it.
