by David Wilikofsky
Caution, the duo of Nora Button and Cash ML, began after the dissolution of their previous band, Saturday Night. Originally DC / Baltimore based, both Button’s move to Minneapolis and the beginning of the pandemic put the project’s future into question. Despite geographic and logistical obstacles the two persevered, working long distance to record their second EP over the course of 2020. Set to be released on the always reliable Born Yesterday Records, it’s a strong first statement from the group.
The most obvious parallel to draw here is with Cocteau Twins. Both groups’ music has an otherworldly quality created by shimmering textures and gossamer vocals. The influence is felt most acutely on tracks like “Act Rich”, which could easily pass for a Cocteau Twins outtake. However, it would be unfair to label Caution mere pastiche. Both groups’ vocals blend into the mix (communicating as much verbally as nonverbally), but where Liz Frazer’s vocals were angelic and swooping Button and ML’s are more firmly rooted to Earth. There’s a much stronger focus on harmony and interplay between the two rather than grandeur. The band also successfully folds sounds from other genres into the mix, from the twangy guitars on “Avalanche” to the Felt-esque guitar lines of “Supplemental Supplement”; hell, “Love’s A High Bow” could almost pass for a raved up rocker.
Perhaps most crucially, there’s an element of surprise to what Caution do. An unexpectedly skronky guitar solo in the middle “Avalanche” breaks the song’s otherwise pristine surface. The opening notes of “Love’s A High Bow” sounds like they’re being played on a fuzzy, far off radio before the song quickly comes into focus. These touches may seem small, but they are the moments where the potential of the band shines brightest. The six tracks here feel like just a taste of what they can do; I’m excited to hear what they come up with next.