Casual Technicians brings together three accomplished songwriters—Tyler Keene, Boone Howard, and Nathan Baumgartner—who span the country but share deep roots in Portland’s music scene. Despite their geographical separation, the trio convened at Howard’s Chittenango, NY farm, surrounded by turkeys, sheep, and serene upstate landscapes, to craft their 17-track project. With such a diverse range of experiences and musical backgrounds, one might expect creative clashes, but instead, they deliver a surprisingly cohesive yet idiosyncratic collection of songs.
The album is rich with pop earworms, lush harmonies, and a quirky mix of influences. There’s a bit of Steely Dan’s polish, the Beach Boys’ experimental vibes from the Smile era, and even a touch of Angelo Badalamenti’s atmospheric soundscapes. While the vocals are, shall we say, “interesting,” the instrumentation is where this album truly shines. The saxophone, played by Fraser A Campbell on tracks like “Locally Hated” is my favorite part—it adds a sultry, jazzy flair that elevates the entire project.
That said, the sheer number of tracks—17—makes the album feel repetitive at times. Some songs sound too similar, and I found myself wishing for more variety in the vocal approach. Still, the instrumentals do a phenomenal job of representing each member’s unique voice. The use of instruments like Yotam Ben-Or’s chromatic harmonica on tracks 5 and 13, and Dave Chittenango’s guitar on tracks such as “Overdrive” gives the album its distinct charm.
Standout tracks include “Everyone Is Lovely,” with its sexy guitar and feel-good instrumental that’s impossible not to love. Songs with jazzy intros like “Dunking” left me wanting an entire jazz album from this trio. The unseriousness in their lyrics is another highlight—it’s fun, endearing, and keeps the project lighthearted despite its occasionally repetitive nature.
Overall, Casual Technicians have created a project that feels like a family affair, with an undeniable chemistry and musical synergy. While there’s room for growth, particularly in vocal variety and trimming down the tracklist, the album’s playful spirit and standout instrumentals make it worth a listen. And honestly, I JUST LOVE THE SAX.
Written by Nthatile Mavuso
