Troubled Times

It's perhaps hard to believe, but this is the first Cast album in over 10 years. I frankly thought the group were done for good, but John Power, who has done several solo albums in the interim, apparently found himself writing a new batch of material that he felt was so suited for Cast that it was time to get the group back together. Power has also stated that basically everyone in the band remained on good terms, so it wasn't a strain in that sense to 'reunite' the band.Without a doubt, 2012's "Troubled Times" is a major throwback to the glory days of the mid-'90s 'Brit-pop' era. John Leckie, who produced Cast's first two albums (not to mention The Stone Roses' seminal debut album, amongst many others), is back in the producer's chair for "Troubled Times", and it's eyebrow-raising just how close the intro to this album's first song, "Bow Down", sounds to the intro of "Alright", the latter being the opening song on Cast's debut album "All Change". Cast did make some attempts to expand their sound over the course of their previous 4 albums, most dramatically on 2001's ambitious but tedious "Beetroot". "Troubled Times" feels like a clear attempt at what often gets referred to as getting "back to basics"--there's no trend-hopping, no forced attempts at electronica or anything like that.From a sheer musical standpoint, Cast have basically always been a fine band, with particular thanks to outstanding lead guitarist Liam Tyson, whose often-trippy lead guitar heroics have been in full display on many of Cast's best tunes such as "History", "Compared To You", and "She Falls".The key dealbreaker has always been John Power's songwriting. Occasionally, he gets it all together and delivers a potent, brilliantly-realized tune such as "Promised Land" or "Alien". But often, it seems as though he's been in a hurry to crank out an album's worth of tunes despite a distinct lack of ideas, a problem that was painfully apparent on Cast's second album, 1997's "Mother Nature Calls", a sophomore slump if there ever was one, one of the most lyrically weak albums imaginable, loaded up with obvious rhymes, painful repetition, and just-plain-weak songwriting in general that probably couldn't have been redeemed by ANY band. Adding insult to injury is that, when the lyrics are embarassing, Power's nasal vocal style becomes grating in a hurry. With the third album, 1999's "Magic Hour", the band displayed far more energy than on the previous album, and Power proved that he wasn't washed up, delivering a clutch of first-rate Brit-pop tunes including the aforementioned "Compared To You", "She Falls", and "Alien", with lesser tunes such as "Dreamer" and the British hit "Beat Mama" still being solidly enjoyable.For me, this album is a truly unexpected and welcome surprise. This is a fine, fine piece of work that I say ranks as Cast's best record to date. Power generally sticks to his usual 'overcoming obstacles'-type lyrics, and the rhymes and word choices often remain extremely familiar and characteristic, but he does manage to effectively steer clear of the ham-fisted simplicity that he often succumbed to on past records, and he does push himself as a songwriter. Basically the whole album feels comfortably familiar, with Cast's signature weaving of acoustic and electric textures, yet there's a certain maturity evident in the craftsmanship, and the production is noticeably more muscular than on "All Change". The album flows naturally, and in some ways one does get the sense that John Power felt he had something to prove here as a songwriter. "Bow Down", despite the startling similarity to "Alright" right down to the syncopated electric guitar arpeggios, markedly improves on it, ditching the overly self-righteous and sugary vibe of the earlier tune in favour of a more mature, but still energetic and purposeful sound. The not-quite-title track "Troubled Thoughts" is classic Cast all the way, with captivating guitar overtones (Liam Tyson works his magic once again), punchy rhythms, anguished lyrics, and a super catchy albeit haunting melody. "The Sky's Got A Gaping Hole" is an excellent song, with crafty storm metaphors and neat phrasing. Tyson fuels the simple chord progression of "Hold On Tight" with an atmospheric lead guitar part. "Not Afraid Of The World" has one of Power's most affecting lyrics, and the swooping bass line of the verses is outstanding. "Brother Fighting Brother" is another one of the standout tracks--the heavily atmospheric verses, with Power singing in a lower register than usual, are an ear-catching change of pace.The CD contains a couple of so-called "bonus tracks" which are alternate versions of songs already appearing on the album. Although they're demo-like, they are surprisingly full-sounding and well-recorded, despite the stripped-down, acoustic orientated arrangements. "See That Girl" comes across as a remarkably sincere and heart-wrenching lost love song with an outstanding John Power vocal--it easily surpasses the proper album version of the song. These last two tracks may very well leave you longing for more, with the acoustic version of "Bad Waters" ending the CD on a surprisingly contemplative and downbeat note.So, "Troubled Times" proves to be a very pleasant surprise, since, like I stated previously, I didn't think we'd be getting any more music from Cast in the first place, but they have given us a heartfelt album that will hit the sweet spot in a big way for those who felt that the whole Brit-pop scene of the '90s was a magical time that faded away all too quickly.

Having had a long lay off between albums ( their last one released in 2001) due to John Power going solo. The band reformed to celebrate the anniversary of their original classic album and go on tour with it. John Power had written some new material which he was going to release as a solo artist. But he decided that it would work better with the old band. And although it didn't do commercially well. It is a good album, more laid back, more acoustic and with some good demo versions on it too.

cast return to the sound they do best here. not original, but it doesn't need to be when the melodies are strong. john power sometimes gets criticised for his lyrics, unfairly in my opinion. he touches on mans inhumanity to man but has no answers. but then again neither does anyone else. welcome back cast!

Dispite being a big Cast fan I found this album turgid and lacking in usual Cast spark, or beautiful story telling of John Powers early solo stuff ( mariner, small farm)I could add more but I carnt really be arsed.Overall disappointing. Still doesn't diminish my love of them live or there earlier albums.

The cd i bought from westworld via amazon prime was described as new. It arrived today unsealed and used, by looking at the cd packaging it is clear that this was not a new cd. Paid full price for a used cd. Not good enough really.

This I would say is Cast's best offering. Really catchy tunes and the band have got better through time. Could play over and over again