The name The Casual Lean may ring a distant bell in the mind of many as the Boston band seemed to have a buzz surrounding them for years with independent labels such as Doghouse Records seemingly taking an interest in them left and right. However, for one reason or another they never got a deal done. The buzz, as all buzz does, eventually died down and The Casual Lean must have been left wondering where they went wrong. Finally, they have released their full-length Swears on relative no-name label Orange Peal Records. Fortunately for The Casual Lean, all the labels who never got the deal done will regret their lack of effort after hearing Swears, a refreshing, unique take on indie rock in the vein of Gatsby's American Dream with more pop appeal.

Swears functions as the perfect summer album featuring a consistently upbeat indie swing with catchy, witty hooks by frontman Justin (who has no last name given anywhere). Saying that a certain aspect of this album puts it above the rest would do Swears a great injustice. This album gives every instrument equal amounts of thought and care in both structure and sound. The drums are almost always delivering an interesting style and beat in a genre in which it is easy to become complacent. The guitars add certain nuances the listener will truly appreciate as aspects to be discovered long after the first listen.

Frontman Justin brings a lyrical content that is both catchy and intelligent with like, "I was inside the house when it burned / But I still loved cooking / I still haven't learned" on "Third Degree Burns." The vocals are sung with a character and fervor in a melody that is ever changing. The maturity of the songwriting for a true debut album is reminiscent of Say Anything's …Is A Real Boy. If The Casual Lean can move up in the label world, gain more exposure, and consistently tour, they could easily be the band 14 year old girls everywhere look up to and you, the 23 year old male, feel somewhat guilty towering over the sea of dyed black emo girls in a large venue rocking out to.

--Michael Smer