Giant Robot Store and GR2 News
After my pal Bradley (Flattbush) asked me if I’d be interested in setting up a show at Alex’s Bar, it’s fitting that It’s Casual would headline. I first saw the band earlier this year when they played with DYS and Negative Approach. Man, they were great and I became not only a fan but a friend of singer/guitarist Eddie Solis. How could I not like a guy who channels the work ethic of SST and modern heaviness of Southern Lord (he’s worked for both labels) and sings exclusively about our hometown of Los Angeles both critically and caringly while never forgetting to deliver genuine punk power and head-banging metal riffs.
That the duo would agree to play a small show with little promotion or planning for a buddy says a lot about It’s Casual being cool dudes but also how much they live to rip it up and share their brutal yet positive message. Hope to see you in front on Thursday, December 27.
While the duo of Best Coast has been famously touting the excellence and energy of Southern California through its post pop, the hardcore duo It’s Casual has been focusing on the more aggro side with its SST-informed blend of stripped-down punk and metal. The New Los Angeles II drops out on November 20, and is full of rippers about everything from the joys and challenges of public transportation to feeding the poor crappy food via EBT cards. I paid a visit to the singer, guitarist, and It’s Casual main man Eddie Solis to chat about the brand-new album and its message.
I didn’t know much about It’s Casual until just a couple of weeks ago when I caught the duo on a killer bill with Negative Approach and DYS at Alex’s Bar. I knew what to expect from the hardcore legends from Detroit and Boston, but holy shit. The local skate rockers not only held their own but totally ruled with their full-on aggro (yet smart) blasts of metalic (yet fun) brand of SST-informed hardcore. I confirmed my suspicions a week later when they played a furious in-store at Vacation Vinyl to promote a rad limited-edition split 7″ single with Early Man.
Meanwhile, Eddie and I chitchatted after each show and he began responding to some of the photos and reviews that I was posting online. One thing led to another, and here’s a (yup) casual Q&A with one of my new favorite bands and dudes. If you make it to the end, there’s an exclusive MP4 waiting for you.