Cassels, the London-based duo of brothers Jim (guitar/vocals) and Loz Beck (drums/vocals), have returned with their fourth album, Tracked in Mud. This follows their critically acclaimed 2022 release, A Gut Feeling, and marks a shift in their songwriting approach—moving away from their earlier, more literal lyrical style and embracing a more abstract, emotion-driven sound.
This album leans heavily into noise textures, creating an experience that provides the listener more space for interpretation. The result is raw, confrontational, and deeply immersive, forcing the listener to draw their own conclusions rather than delivering clear-cut messages.
Tracked in Mud carries a dystopian, almost primal energy. A sense of bitterness, cynicism, and even revulsion permeates the record, as Cassels take aim at a world seemingly in decay. The themes feel eerily relevant, painting a bleak yet captivating portrait of modern existence. It’s an album that refuses to be an easy listen—constantly shifting, surprising, and challenging the listener at every turn.
The band themselves describe Tracked in Mud as a reflection on humanity’s disconnection from nature, calling it “a soundtrack to life in the final days of an arrogant, technocratic hellscape.” This theme is brought to life through masterfully layered production that allows each abrasive texture and discordant moment to breathe. Noise sits at the core of the album, embracing dissonance and unpredictability, while dynamic shifts provide moments of contrast without ever easing the underlying tension.
Standout tracks include the gripping opener Nine Circles, which sets the tone for the album’s intensity, and Every Castle’s Crumbling King, a mid-album highlight that delivers a well-placed dynamic contrast. The singles Formaldehyde Time and Indegene are equally striking, showcasing the band’s ability to balance chaos with precision.
Tracked in Mud is an album that demands attention. It’s confrontational, unrelenting, and sonically rich—a challenging but deeply rewarding listen that feels like a perfect soundtrack for the uncertain times we live in.
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Review by Mansell Laidler
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