On-Air Review: Tim Kasher

Artist: Tim Kasher
Album: Adult Film
Released: October 8th, 2013
Label: Saddle Creek Records
Reviewed By: Kelsey Baker

Tim Kasher of Cursive and The Good Life continues to explore his mid-life crisis on his sophomore solo project, Adult Film. Kasher grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, where he attended a Catholic high school and was introduced to Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes. In the mid 90’s, Kasher joined Saddle Creek Records, along with Oberst, and the enthusiastic individuals began producing immediately. Since then, Kasher has bounced between numerous projects and has procured a sound that has contributed to the foundation of the emo rock scene and supported the worst hairstyles of Generation Y. With his other projects on hold, all of Kasher’s productive energy illuminates throughout his newest solo album Adult Film, taking you on a provocative, cognitive journey of indie sounds.

“American Lit” starts the album off with reversed gasps and an ugly organ slamming to the rhythm of the bass drum. “I’ve got a story to tell,” narrates Kasher as the melody morphs to his lyrics, while illustrating images of a dystopian standard.

The second track and first single for the album, “Truly Freaking Out” exposes Kasher’s growing acceptance of the digital age. Bouncing synth sounds and hollow reverbs oddly compliment the foreboding, organic organ harmonies, making energetic tracks such as “Truly Freaking Out,” “Life and Limbo,” and especially “A Looking Distress Signal” enigmatic songs on the album.

The explicitly, beautiful third track, “Where’s Your Heart” and the spacey “Lay Down Your Weapons” exaggerate Kasher’s incredibly revealing songwriting. Known for his mentally intrusive lyrics and eclectic melodies, Kasher seems to lurk around the darkest corners of his personality for inspiration. The simple rhythms seem to have evolved for the lyrics, with the tone of his voice leading the instruments tune.

For a nostalgic Tim Kasher sound, the tracks “The Willing Cuckold,” “You Scare Me To Death,” “A Raincloud Is A Raincloud,” as well as “A Lullaby, Sort Of,” will take you back to wandering the halls of your high school.

The second solo album, Adult Film, is the epitome of Kasher’s musical career and is to be released October 8th through Saddle Creek Records. Every one of his manicured sounds from the past 18 years is prodded, primped, and put together. And the result? A relatable, self-loathing rapport of growing up and getting old.

More info at timkasher.com