The Casual Dots

The Casual Dots self-titled debut release rocks like other bands that the members have been part of -- specifically Slant 6. The Casual Dots get down to business with their expressive indie rock, sounding like a punker Gories or a cooler Sleater-Kinney. The two guitars of Billotte and Kathi Wilcox echo each other with punchy picking lines, while Steve Dore lays the solid backbone with appropriate, simple beats. The vocal delivery of Christina Billotte is off-the-cuff and works well with the energy of the music. "She's the Real Thing" is a dark, simple, melodic tune that showcases the best elements of the Casual Dots: tone of guitar, marching drums, and vocals that set in the perfect inflections at the right time to hook the listener to melt in the song. The Casual Dots rock hard, playing off one another and delivering the goods. If you like haunting, melodic garage/indie rock, the Casual Dots are for you. ~ Francis Arres