Run River North have had a fascinating journey up to today. Originally known as Monsters Calling Home and sporting six members, the California band has morphed and evolved into its current form. Now a trio, Alex Hwang, Daniel Chae and Sally Kang are still on a mission to deliver the best music they can. They’re preparing for the release of their EP Monsters Calling Home, Vol. 1 (everything is a cycle) tomorrow, and to fully get hyped up, they’re sharing another new track from the project today. Substream is thrilled to premiere “Casina” and its accompanying music video.
“Casina” is a burst of exhilarating sound and energy, not unlike a casino. It seems the finer things in life are what the trio were originally looking for, but the garish lights and the caustic attitude of greed and want have started to eat away at them. All three members share vocal duties, and each does a great job of capturing the desperation and urgency that builds as they try to find a way to freedom. Kang’s work on the keys gives the track its resileant electronic bounce, and the electric guitar’s building distortion also helps drive the urgency of the track. “Casina” is a showcase of not only each member’s individual skills, but what Run River North can do as a whole with their amazing writing.
The music video mirrors the high level of energy in “Casina.” Directed by David Rho and with Jonathan Chou as DOP, the camera swirls around the trio as they perform. Through a series of distinct lighting choices and a few visual effects, the video shifts and morphs alongside the song as it barrels along.
The band explained that “Casina” serves as an evolution for them. They say
“‘Casina’ – The sister to Casino. The demo of this song truly sparked the flame within the three remaining members of RRN. We knew Casino would be on the EP but after Sally, working with Daniel and Miro Mackie (mixer, producer), sang her verse – we knew this was the beginning of something new. Without a drummer and bassist, Daniel and Miro began to build the rhythm and bass that would become the blueprint for future RRN soundscapes.”
You can watch the video for “Casina” below. Monsters Calling Home, Vol. 1 is out tomorrow, and Run River North will be on tour this month, with dates also listed below.
Run River North Tour Dates
5/2 – Atlanta, GA – Aisle 5
5/3 – Nashville, TN – High Watt
5/4 – Charlotte, NC – Neighborhood Theatre
5/7 – Washington, DC – Union Stage
5/8 – Philadelphia, PA – Boot & Saddle
5/10 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge
5/11 – Cambridge, MA – Sonia
5/15 – Pittsburgh, PA – Club Cafe
5/16 – Columbus, OH – Rumba Cafe
5/17 – Chicago, IL – Schubas Tavern
5/18 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th Street Entry
5/21 – Seattle, WA – Sunset Tavern
5/22 – Portland, OR – White Eagle Saloon
5/23 – San Francisco, CA – Bottom of the Hill
