An evening with Casey Neill at Cafe No9

Event information

“A sense of hope against the odds that recurs and invites repeated listens “
- UNCUT Mag Uk (8 out of 10 stars)

"These are songs with stories well told" - Steve Earle

Casey Neill is a songwriter from Portland, Oregon performing high energy indie folk, infused with haunting melodies and weather beaten narratives. His last two albums were released on Fluff & Gravy records, one with his band Casey Neill & The Norway Rats, Sending Up Flares, and one solo, time zero land. A prolific road warrior since the late 90s, Neill tours throughout the USA, Japan, and Europe, performing at venues such as Town Hall in New York, San Francisco's Great American Music Hall, and the Newport Folk Festival. Neill has been establishing himself in the UK over the last few years, playing at London’s Green Note, Hebden Bridge’s Trades Club and Maverick Festival, Suffolk and is set to return this summer with dates confirmed at Cafe No9, Sheffield, The Betsey Trotwood and Maverick Festival alongside guitarist Chet Lyster.

'time zero land' follows Casey Neill & the Norway Rats’ 'Sending Up Flares'. A self-produced
collection of bedroom recordings, ‘time zero land’ leans into the American folk and traditional Scots/Irish influences that have often underscored his songwriting craft and guitar work. The songs on ‘Sending Up Flares’ and ‘time zero land’ offer a lifeline to a world in need of balance, shot through with stories about resolve, resilience, and wonder.

Guitarist Chet Lyster produced and co-wrote the songs on Sending Up Flares. A member of
EELS since the early 2000s’, Lyster has been a staple of their Europe tours. He was a touring and recording member of Lucinda Williams’ band for a few years and plays on her Grammy nominated album ‘Little Honey’. Chet has been a member of Casey Neill & The Norway Rats since it’s inception and has contributed to many other recordings and bands in Portland.

The Norway Rats are a band of Pacific Northwest heavy hitters with a longtime roster that
includes accordionist/keyboardist Jenny Conlee of The Decemberists, bassist Jesse Emerson of Amelia, and Neill. Sending Up Flares also features guest appearances from a number of indie icons, including Sleater-Kinney’s Corin Tucker and Slang’s Anita Lee Elliott. Scott McCaughey and R.E.M.’s Peter Buck — both of whom perform alongside Neill in pop power group The Minus 5 — also appear on the record. On an album filled with musical all- stars, though, it’s Casey Neill & The Norway Rats who shine the brightest. They’ve established their own musical mix — a melting pot of synthesized textures, organic instruments, and sharp songwriting — and they’ve never sounded so resolute.

Critic Marco Rivera described it best for music blog Splendid: “Be it through raucous rockers,
fragile acoustic ballads, soulful touches of Irish folk, Neill's narrative talent and concern for real people's struggles stand out. The results are so evocative, you'll be tempted to steep further in these memories, the better to share Casey Neill's particular blend of personal and historical experience.”

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Please note this ticket price DOES include a BYOB fee should you wish to bring alcohol to the venue.

All additional purchases of drinks and sweet treats from the cafe counter are always very much appreciated.