Five Piece indie band, The Casbahs have released their new single, their first of 2026, titled Crossfire. And I dare you not to be hooked from the moment you hear the first note.
The beginning of the song is what can only be described as punchy. Sounding a bit like The Clash’s ‘London Calling’, the short note pattern creates a snappiness and crunchiness that gives the track its pacing. This remains throughout the verse, the heartbeat behind the song, driving the instrumentals, before it transitions for the chorus and pre chorus. We get a gallop-like rhythm instead which helps contrast the sections nicely.
We hear the title said just the once in the second verse, the word ‘Crossfire’ being sung in a way that feels quite smug, like a name drop. It also feels like there may almost be an expectation of having that sung back to the band when in concert, knowing full well that we all get excited when the name of the track is used sparingly. It does just make it feel like a special word and the way it is stretched out really highlights that more.
Of course, it’s hard not to talk about this song without talking about the impressive guitar solo that is both lengthy and too short all at once. It is a whole section of its own, prolonging its impact to leave a lasting impression. And it’s just always a great way to really reflect on a band member’s individual talent.
Crossfire is definitely a traditional indie rock sound, a formula you know people will love, but the way the song ends is quite unusual. That epic guitar rounds the track off, really saying here is a final flourish. If this song was a person, it would be someone who, as the young people say, gives off ‘main character energy’. A song that steals the show anytime and every time you hear it.
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