Jason NeSmith (aka Casper Fandango, ex- Of Montreal), the main songwriter, floats somewhere in between The Beatles’ “Penny Lane” and Revolver. At times, his lyrics and chord progressions become too much of the same thing, but overall, he keeps his sound interesting with creative arrangements and riffs.
Kay Stanton took a shot at bringing something new to Casper & The Cookies. The Optimist’s Club showcases her first contributions to songwriting. Stanton’s input is key and adds a much-needed layer of creative energy that pushes the album far above the realm of Sloan-type rock. She co-wrote four songs, three of which are the strongest tracks on the album. The opening track, “Krötenwanderung,” plays with dissonant percussion sounds and sets a fresh tone that produces exciting, indefinite expectations about the upcoming journey.
The Optimist’s Club is a wonderful recording full of texture and experimentation that never leaves the listener behind. Fans of Wilco’s Yankee Hotel Foxtrot will probably take to this album, as well as anyone who enjoys a bit of colour added to catchy songs.
The future’s looking good for Casper & The Cookies. If they swing through town, be sure to catch their show: NeSmith’s words, “Every night we try to find a new way to interact with the crowd. Sometimes one of us gets bruised.”
