The benefits of talking about your mental health with friends, particularly when going through a bad patch, are at the core of “Fine”, the new song from Esperance-based three-piece outfit Grand Casual. This infectious and heart-warming banger is as upbeat as it is healing, and we are stoked to be premiering it before its release tomorrow.
The track is an energetic sea of guitars, synths and passionate vocals. A driving beat keeps it running at pace, as they build the energy with guitars, giving it a sense of urgency. They switch it up and bring in some synths, without losing any intensity. The vocals of lead singer Kyron Smithson are emotive and heartfelt. They’ve brought an important topic to the table, and taken it on a high-intensity journey that will be an absolute belter when played live.
The track was recorded, mixed and produced by Andy Lawson at Debaser Studio. Grand Casual have been busy in the studio lately, and “Fine” is the first single of what is expected to be many more in 2024.
Indeed, “Fine” is their first release since their 2022 single, “Mixed Up Kid”. The trio formed in 2018, and we first caught sight of them in 2020 with their high-octane “Western Border” release. They’ve never been afraid to mix up the genres from blues to alt-rock, hip-hop to rock and roll.
About the track, the band writes: “Lyricism in ‘Fine’ is very straight up, there’s no hidden meanings. Verses are from the perspective of someone moving through mental illness, talking about their state of mind with a close friend, colleague or psychologist. I feel the fact that this conversation is happening openly is a key takeaway, showing that the individuals are comfortable with each other and share a deep respect for one another however their relationship is defined.
Becoming “Fine With The Feeling” is the moment where someone enduring mental turmoil, is able to acknowledge their current experience as transient. And Through acceptance, devoid of judgement this too shall pass.
Fine considers the value of having people you can trust to openly converse with, about the thoughts (intrusive thoughts), that are impacting upon your mental health. And how these people through a drive to understand, and unconditional love help us to move through fear and anxiety.
When you share that experience with someone it becomes as if you have known them your whole life, “and its like we never were strangers”.
My personal experience is one coloured by intrusive thoughts, rumination and fear and as I penned these lyrics I was having regular Skype conversations with a fantastic Psychologist, also regular coffees with a close friend who has lived a similar mental health experience as my own. Giving rise to lyrics and a track that myself and my band mates absolutely love.”
The band had a busy 2023, performing a number of live shows, including supporting The Rubens in Kalgoorlie. Looking forward, you’ll be able to catch the boys at the Nannup Music Festival, which runs from the 1st to the 4th March – tickets HERE
So, enjoy our premiere of “Fine”, and if you are in the south-west of WA, do get along to the Nannup Music Festival.
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Header image credit: Rosie Henderson
