OK, so let’s begin with some things you may … Read Full Bio ↴Cazals: a short history
OK, so let’s begin with some things you may already know about Cazals: 1. They’ve known Pete Doherty since they were boys, and have toured with Babyshambles. 2. On account of living in London and - y’know - knowing how to dress well, some people think they’re fashonistas; 3. All five of ’em used to live together. In Whitechapel; 4. A couple of them made cameo appearances in Nathan Barley. 5. They used to put on all night warehouse parties – most notably Cazalaid, organised to raise money after ALL their equipment got stolen – in London’s east end. Bloc Party played. It was a great night.
Got all that? Good. Now please forget it. Cazals are as bored of it as you should be. For Cazals, as you will see, are a band who, in every respect, are all about the future.
“There’s so much more to this band than that,” Says lead guitarist (& manager!) Daniel. This is true. For example: second guitarist Luca makes a healthy living DJ’ing electronic music (“I’m more into Digitalism than I am into guitar stuff,” he shrugs), Phil, the singer, has been cast in a number of up-coming British Independent films, while bassist Martin is a re-mixer and producer of some repute. He’s the man mainly responsible for making ‘What Of Our Future?’ - his band’s debut album due out in the new year - sound like one of the most forward-thinking guitar based albums in ages. His recording implements include drainpipes (as in actual pipes, not the trousers), bits of paper being ripped and effects pedals he has made himself out of Gameboys. But anyway, we’re getting ahead of ourselves here…
Cazals are signed to French record label Kitsune. It is an electronic music label, home to Digitalism, Simian Mobile Disco, Crystal Castles and other such forward thinkers. You may know them from their excellent Maison compilations or for releasing vinyl only singles by Klaxons, Foals and Late of The Pier. They are not normally interested in guitar bands (especially those with retrogressive tendencies), but they made an exception for Cazals. This is significant.
“Basically they heard our track ‘Poor Innocent Boys’, and put it on their Maison 2 compilation,” says Daniel (It’s worth pointing out here that the bouncing, razor-sharp, handclap-assisted rhythms of said former single resided on this record between a Boyz Noise remix and a track by Azzido Da Bass). “They were ringing us up to ask what label we were on, and we were like, ‘Erm, none!”
“They’ve been amazing for us,” enthuses Phil. “It’s not a huge label, so they haven’t got a huge amount of money, but they had no problems with us taking our time to make sure the album was perfect. Perfect as far as we were concerned, and them.”
The investment of time by both band and label has paid off massively. One only has to listen to the first minute of ‘What Of Our Future?’s opener ‘New Boy In Town’ to realise it is a record of tremendous depth. There are spiky guitars, a rasping vocal and an unforgettable melody, for certain, but there are subtle textures here, too – at points you’d be forgiven for thinking Daft Punk were recording in the next room. ‘To Cut A Long Story Short’ continues in this vein, and by the time the breakdown in the middle of the synthline led ‘Somebody Somewhere’ arrives, it’s anybody’s as to which instrument is making which noise.
“We spent a long time on the arrangements,” Daniel continues. “We’re not one of those bands who just bash out a song.” It shows. ‘A Big Mistake’ is driven by lo-fi electronic drum loops; ‘We’re Just The Same’ a gorgeous, half-paced pop song that exhibits the French influence that has seeped into Cazals’ music; ‘Comfortable Silence’, meanwhile, is – frankly – bonkers experimentalism, the likes of which few British guitar bands would dare even attempt. Even in the more conventional moments here – the frenetic ‘Life Is Boring’, the aforementioned ‘Poor Innocent Boys’ – are awash with layer upon layer of unconventional noise. And then there’s closer ‘Time Of Our Lives’ – a song that begins its life as a genuine, piano-led weepy, then builds and builds into a waltzing mini-epic. For all the musical adventure that precedes it, it’s, y’know, moving. “That’s another thing which is important,” points out Phil, “Every song on the record is a true fucking story.”
So no, not Shoreditch trendies. Not fashonistas. Just one of the most forward thinking British guitar bands in Britain today.
The band split up in November 2009 to pursue their separate interests, mainly producing and other musical projects.
Poor Innocent Boys
Cazals Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You almost ruined their name
Your father's so disappointed
Your sister feels the same
And now the neighbors are talking
Eyes down underneath their breathe
Your mother I swear you've done this
Why can't you just be normal
Another link in the chain
I pull you away like your father
Not likely were not the same
*Chorus*
'Cuz were poor innocent boys
Poor poor
Innocent boys
Poor innocent boys
Poor poor
Innocent boys
Poor innocent boys
Poor poor
Innocent boys
Poor innocent boys
A tribulation radio station boy
Do you notice something missing
When the kids at play
Turn to be the doorman x
Set it up and play
All I've got is vices knocking at my door
All the angry taxman asking me for more
I've got something to say
All in a matter of time
Please don't get in my way
'Cuz everything is mine.
*Chorus*x2
The song "Poor Innocent Boys" by Cazals is a commentary on the pressure and expectations placed on individuals by their families and society. The lyrics describe the disappointment felt by the singer's family and neighbors due to his failure to conform to their expectations of a "normal" life. This non-conformity is seen as a threat to the family's reputation, and the singer is blamed for bringing shame upon them. He is alienated from his own family and is forced to seek acceptance and comfort elsewhere. The lyrics reveal how societal pressure can drive people to desperation and self-destruction.
The chorus "Poor innocent boys" is used ironically to describe the singer's situation. Despite his perceived failings, he is still innocent and does not deserve the ridicule and rejection he faces from his community. The line "A tribulation radio station boy" may be a reference to the difficulties faced by those who do not fit into society's molds and the sense of isolation that comes with it. The second verse speaks of the singer's struggles with addiction and financial difficulties. He feels as though everything he has worked for is being taken away from him by those in power, and he is lashing out in anger and frustration.
Line by Line Meaning
You really let the family down
Your actions disappointed and embarrassed your family
You almost ruined their name
Your behavior almost caused long-term damage to your family's reputation
Your father's so disappointed
Your father is deeply let down by your actions
Your sister feels the same
Your sister shares your father's disappointment
And now the neighbors are talking
Your actions have caused gossip among the locals
Eyes down underneath their breathe
People are whispering about you behind their hands
Your mother I swear you've done this
Your mother blames you for the family's troubles
She says she's got nothing left
Your mother feels like she has nothing to offer you anymore
Why can't you just be normal
Your family wishes you were more conventional and less of a troublemaker
Another link in the chain
Your family wants you to fit in with their expectations
I pull you away like your father
I want to help you get on the right track like your father does
Not likely were not the same
Despite similarities, we are not identical and we have our differences
Cuz were poor innocent boys
Despite our mistakes, we are still good people with good intentions
A tribulation radio station boy
A person who has experienced difficult situations and carries the memories and emotions of those struggles
Do you notice something missing
Can you see that something is wrong?
When the kids at play
When other people are enjoying themselves
Turn to be the doorman x
Become the people who control and decide access
Set it up and play
Follow the established rules and systems
All I've got is vices knocking at my door
Negative habits and behaviors are constantly tempting me
All the angry taxman asking me for more
I am being burdened by increasing financial demands
I've got something to say
I have my own opinions and perspectives to share
All in a matter of time
Everything will eventually work out or change
Please don't get in my way
Please do not hinder my progress or goals
Cuz everything is mine.
I want to take control of my own life and circumstances.
Contributed by Sadie T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@GH-ct9mc
I found their album in my attic Today looking for something else, what a tune this one is. Saw them supporting Babyshambles back in the day.
@gypsymothgillis3537
This band is one of my fucking favs , today’s music sucks . These boys need more shine .
@topherdavid420
I always say good music is applicable through long distances of time... this is one of those...
@MakeMakeShift
The glory days 🧡
@redballoon168
i love this one !!!
@longmanvas
What a great band.
@fuzznakano
great tune :-)
@hobbit422
great intro!! love this song!!!
@Backdrop91
i cant stop listening to this song!! anyone else find this song through the video: lines (biography of big mountain snowboarders)?
@alexdelaville
this is the original version, also comped on a kitsuné compilation, but the LP version (released on Kitsuné) is not that good