Description
“Casal’s latest might well be his strongest so far. Memorable tunes and reflective lyrics, more worldly-wise than weary. These are substantial songs…” —MOJO
The first line of the title track on Neal Casal’s tenth studio effort ‘Sweeten The Distance’ says much about where the storied singer, songwriter and guitarist finds himself in his career: “Nothing’s gonna stop you now, everything you want is coming in good time.” After 20 plus years of writing songs, recording albums and touring the world, there’s a confidence and patience present in his latest work that reveals an artist in full creative flight. Produced by Thom Monahan (Fruit Bats, Devendra Banhart, Vetiver), ‘Sweeten The Distance’ is indeed a defining moment in Casal’s discography. Rich acoustic textures and sophisticated melodies of songs like “Bird With No Name,” “Need Shelter” and “Gyrls of Wynter” give way to a psyched-out ambience on “White Fence Round House” “Feathers for Bakersfield” and “How Quiet It Got.” The depth of the production, with its purposefully layered sounds and oceanic atmospherics, makes ‘Sweeten The Distance’ as much a multi-dimensional headphone experience as a soul-stirring modern songwriter record. And as such, Casal emerges as an essential voice in the New Cosmic California movement.
In addition to his critically acclaimed solo work, Neal Casal made a name for himself as the lead guitarist in Ryan Adams & The Cardinals, with whom he recorded four albums: ‘Easy Tiger,’ ‘Follow the Lights,’ ‘Cardinology’ and ‘III/IV.’ Currently, he serves as a central component of the Chris Robinson Brotherhood with whom he contributes lead guitar and vocal harmonies. Over the last year, Casal has also added guitar and vocals to Ryan Adams Ashes & Fire, Fruit Bats Tripper, The Jayhawks Mockingbird Time, Vetiver The Errant Charm and a forthcoming recording by Beachwood Sparks.
