The Casbahs are an emerging indie rock band hailing from the North East of England, specifically Durham. Formed initially in 2019 under the name ‘Cellos,’ the band was the brainchild of lead vocalist Niall Fenwick and lead guitarist Joe Teasdale. They released their debut EP, ‘Sea or Sky,’ in the same year. Over time, the lineup expanded to include Jack Walker on bass and vocals, Harry Mason on drums, and Steven Grainger on guitar, leading to a name and image transformation into The Casbahs. This evolution marked the release of their album ‘Been Here Before’.
Drawing inspiration from indie rock, as well as 60s and 90s sound, The Casbahs are recognized for their diverse aesthetic, which combines retro components with a contemporary indie twist. They have amassed a dedicated following in their community’s music scene, playing at many events in the North East and showing up on BBC Introducing programs. The band also interacts with fans on social media by posting interesting versions of their favorite songs on TikTok, delighting their followers with unique surprises.
The music video for “Roman Numerals” by The Casbahs, which came out on August 17th, 2024, is a visual story that explores the intricacies of human feelings, employing a simple storytelling style that complements the song’s introspective and melancholy tone. From the beginning, the video sets a mood of silent hopelessness and self-reflection, centering on a single character whose behavior and environment reveal a lot about his inner struggle. The first scene, showing a man in a suit carrying a beer bottle walking towards the ocean, establishes a journey focused on both internal and external aspects. The vastness and mystery of the ocean symbolize the character’s emotional turmoil, implying that he is dealing with feelings that are as uncontrollable and overwhelming as the waves.
As the video continues, the man’s behavior becomes more unstable, mirroring a plunge into greater emotional turmoil. The way he takes unsteady steps and extends his arms as though searching for something creates a feeling of desperation and frustration. These gentle actions are understated yet powerful, giving viewers a glimpse into the character’s mindset without the need for dialogue or overt expressions of emotion. The utilization of physical gestures in the video to tell the story is a strong point, enabling viewers to attribute their own meanings to the character’s movements, leading to a more intimate and compelling experience.
In the video, one of the most memorable moments is when the man takes out his phone, speaks into it, and then throws it into the ocean. Throwing away the phone holds symbolic significance, symbolizing a refusal of communication or a complete ending of connections with something or someone significant. His actions show frustration, indicating that the conversation, whether actual or imaginary, was a final attempt to grasp onto something slipping from his grasp. In this scene, the ocean once more becomes pivotal as it consumes the phone, highlighting the man’s futile efforts and his inevitable loneliness.
The man’s following behaviors—dropping to his knees and then stretching out on the ground while the waves flow over him—are both tragic and healing. These instances depict a giving in to the powerful feelings that have been growing during the video. The ocean’s symbolism of the subconscious or emotional depth is powerfully portrayed as it starts to envelop him. This particular scene has the potential to be understood in different ways: it may depict a total collapse, a sudden realization, or even a symbolic new beginning. The man’s unclear actions and lack of definite conclusion add to the emotional effect of the video, prompting viewers to ponder the potential interpretations of his submission to the waves.
In terms of music, “Roman Numerals” offers the ideal background for this visual exploration. The song starts with an entrancing guitar tune that quickly establishes a reflective mood, pulling the audience into the emotional atmosphere of the music. The guitar acts as the foundation of the piece, with its rhythmic chords creating a steady and almost mesmerizing background to the unfolding story being told visually. With the addition of more instruments, the music increases in intensity, reflecting the rising tension seen in the video. Still, as the music becomes more complex, the guitar stays central, keeping the music grounded and enhancing the emotional tone of the song.
The vocal delivery in “Roman Numerals” also plays a crucial role in enriching the emotional intensity of the video. The singer’s vocal tone reflects feelings of tiredness and acceptance, fitting well with both the song’s themes and the visuals. The vocal restraint enhances the emotional depth of the song without overpowering it, allowing the lyrics and music to shine on their own. The words of the song, which appear to delve into the challenge of letting go, connect strongly with the storyline of the video, enhancing the feeling of conflict and turmoil that runs throughout the entire work.
The speed of the video is intentionally leisurely, letting each moment play out naturally. This careful method allows the audience to fully understand the subtleties of the character’s behavior and the significance of the ocean location. The natural lighting and soft color palette add to the general atmosphere, establishing a visual setting that is both enduring and inclusive. The video has a raw quality that gives it a deeply personal feel, like we are observing a private moment of reflection and hopelessness.
To sum up, the music video for “Roman Numerals” exemplifies how music and visuals can come together to produce a compelling emotional impact. The Casbahs have created an artwork that is visually impressive and emotionally powerful, using straightforward but impactful visuals to communicate deep themes of loneliness, disappointment, and acceptance. The ocean functions as a key symbol that connects the whole story, representing the character’s inner world both physically and metaphorically. The uncertainty of the video’s conclusion prompts viewers to delve into the story further, promoting various explanations and multiple viewings. “Roman Numerals” is a must-watch for fans of The Casbahs and those who enjoy music videos that delve into human emotions beyond simple entertainment.
For more information about The Casbahs, click on the icons below.
