Provincetown Independent: Unpredictable and Indescribable
After a successful run spanning three decades, the Incredible Casuals, a rock band hailing from Cape Cod, known for their unique blend of styles described as “the Beach Boys meets the Who” by Rolling Stone, decided to disband in 2013. Over the years, they had entertained audiences at the Wellfleet Beachcomber every Sunday for 30 summers and released five full-length albums, along with numerous singles and compilation tracks since their debut in 1986 with the album “That’s That.” However, bassist Chandler Travis admitted that the band had reached a plateau and were not making progress, leading to tensions among the members.
Fast forward ten years to the summer of 2023, guitarist Steve “Woo Woo” Woods managed to convince his bandmates, including Travis and drummer Rikki Bates, that they still had more to offer. This led to a new beginning, with the band rebranding themselves as the Invincible Casuals and gearing up to perform at Wellfleet Preservation Hall on May 17. Travis expressed their invincibility, stating that they rose from the dead to continue their musical journey.
Describing their music as a challenge due to their age, Travis explained that the Casuals drew inspiration from classic acts like the Kinks, the Beatles, and the Who. Rejecting the label of “classic rock,” Travis emphasized the melodic and powerful elements that define their sound. Referring to himself as a “record nut,” Travis revealed his love for diverse musical styles, including jazz icons Thelonious Monk and Duke Ellington, as well as the Romantic composer Gustav Mahler, all of whom share a common thread of strong melodies.
The unique blend of the Invincible Casuals is evident in their intoxicating groove that effortlessly merges laid-back vibes with forward momentum. Their performances are known for their diversity, ranging from clean and cool compositions to those that push the boundaries of absurdity. The band’s experimentation reaches new heights in their live shows, with memorable moments like Wood playing his electric guitar against a surfboard to create a solo glissando during a performance at the Beachcomber.
Travis revealed that all band members contribute to songwriting, with some songs taking shape in a matter of moments through spontaneous creativity. One such song, “Picnic Ape,” crafted back in 1979, showcases the band’s ability to improvise and adapt on the spot, leading to dynamic compositions featuring complex time changes and high-energy choruses. Travis and Bates, who make up the rhythm section, share a deep musical connection that allows them to seamlessly navigate through intricate arrangements and switch directions with ease.
Reflecting on his musical journey, Travis highlighted the joy of creating and performing music, emphasizing the ever-evolving nature of the craft. For him, the mystery and unpredictability of music-making keep the process exhilarating and untamed, embodying the essence of creativity. As the Invincible Casuals gear up for their upcoming concert at Wellfleet Preservation Hall, Travis shared their goal of keeping the dance floor alive with a mix of new and classic tunes, aiming to create an immersive and energizing experience for their loyal fan base known as “Casualties.”