Black Casino & The Ghost
London based newcomers Black Casino & The Ghost are set to creep, like a spectre, into your consciousness over the coming months with the release of their debut EP Falling Into Pieces on November 14th.
We spoke to the band (made up of Elisa Zoot, Ariel Lerner and Andy Treacey) about their ambitions, influences and new single 'Falling Into Pieces'
-You're currently on a run of London shows. How have they been going?
A: The shows have been great! Playing the songs live in front of an audience is much more instinctive and immediate than playing them in the studio, there’s a different type of energy flow and we really enjoy it!
-What can people expect from your live show?
A: They can expect a very passionate, authentic and dynamic show. Some parts are intimate and eerie, almost psychedelic, while other parts are full-on punk rock and in your face.
-How did the band form?
E: We met in a recording studio in London, played our music to each other and immediately started writing and recording together.
-Did each of you have a background in music before this band?
E: Yes, all of us. Andy has played the drums for Groove Armada, Moby, Faithless and more, Ariel has worked as a producer/engineer, and I have been working as a singer/writer since my teens. We are all studio-addicts.
-How would you describe your sound?
A: Our sound is alternative rock, with quite a lot of 60s and 70s influences... it’s cinematic and quite dark. There are verby electric guitars, warm vintage organs, mellotrons and electric pianos, acoustic guitars and big, old school drums.
-Where do you take influence from?
E: We take influence from things that move us: people, books, movies, nature... anything that’s vulnerable or makes us feel vulnerable.
-There seems to be a bit of a reggae hint to Falling To Pieces. Is that something that will be explored in the EP?
A: We do love roots reggae, ska and dub so there definitely are some influences here and there!
-On that note, what can we expect from the EP?
E: The single, 'Falling into pieces' is a rock song, with the almost hysterical energy that came from living a quite tough period in our lives... I had just moved to London, I was broke and I was working a lot in pubs and cafes, in a very posh area of London.
That meant I had to deal with a lot of spoilt, rude idiots. I knew I had to be strong and carry on, and that that was the right thing for me to do, but I couldn’t avoid feeling very frustrated and angry! 'El luchador' is another rock song, with some western-y hints, while 'Odyssea' is an orchestral, evocative song, cold as ice and pressing like the turning of the tide.
My bambina is a little fun piece, with some Django Reinhardt hints and an almost eastern European, Gogol Bordello-ish feel. 'On a plane' is one of our favourite tracks, it’s pretty dark and melancholic and it has a spacious, Floyd-y kind of taste.
-Are you excited for the release?
E: Very much so!!
A:Can’t wait for people to hear it!
-What will make Black Casino and the Ghost stand out?
E: Only time will tell : ))
A: the ghost actually gives us quite a hand, by passing through walls and stuff like that...
-How has it been coming through the London underground scene?
E: It’s been extremely enriching , a big learning curve. London allows you to meet lots of incredibly talented musicians and professionals, it’s amazing.
A: People come from all over the country and the entire world to this musical Mecca... So it’s just an ideal place to play in.