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It is not everyday that I walk into a clothing store and leave with a CD. Spinning in-store was none other than Madelaine Lucas, aka A Casual End Mile; instantly recognisable by her haunting Hope Sandoval-esque sound. Following the release of her first self-titled 7", featuring the single "Fox and a Prayer", A Casual End Mile adopted Luke Bacon and Rob Irish, and became a three-piece. Devils and Devotion is their debut full-length.
Title track "Devils and Devotion" opens with the swift picking of an electric guitar. Lucas’ heavily reverberated vocals creep up and captivate you from the first note – singing directly into your soul.
Tracks like "Dream with Me" and "Nothing of You" lull you into a sense of longing for a love lost, proving that music can be deeply intimate, even for the listener. Not only is Lucas a beguiling vocalist, she demonstrates her ability as a lyricist through her use of imagery to impart emotion: “White ribbon’ round my neck; red roses in your hands. Two hands are all I have to give.” The subtle use of guitar and drums provides the perfect arrangement.
"The Real Thing" offers a bit of tempo and instrumental variation, with the addition of shakers and harmonica. The change is a break, perhaps a symbolic break, from the poignant dream-like state marked by the first half of the album. Nevertheless, the minimalist approach remains throughout the album, and appropriately so, as Lucas’ sublime vocals deserve prime position.
Themes of dreams and reality are prevalent throughout the album. A Casual End Mile is the musical embodiment of the feelings that linger during hypnagogia. In each song, Lucas' ethereal melodies sweep across your ears and then run away with their wistful reverberation. "Hell and Highwater" closes the album on a hopeful note. Despite the dejection that comes from heartbreak, Lucas sings: "I'd do anything to do it all again". You wake and find inspiration to love again.
Devils and Devotion is the perfect soundtrack for those lonesome wanderings, or for forlorn whiskey evenings. It is a beautiful offering from one of Sydney's finest upcoming artists. I do urge you to buy this album. I don’t think your music library would be complete without it.
Review Score: 9/10
