The Cases Prove the Hype is Real with Stellar Debut EP Mr Penny
The Cases
Reviewer: David Weddle
Artist: The Cases
EP: Mr Penny
Release Date: 29th of May 2026 via This Feeling Records / LAB Records
Artist: The Cases
EP: Mr Penny
Release Date: 29th of May 2026 via This Feeling Records / LAB Records
"It feels like a release of pent-up emotion, like one last explosion of colour from a firework before it fizzles out into nothing..."
UK indie band The Cases are making serious waves at the moment, and their highly anticipated debut EP, Mr Penny, hits the ground running. Across four stunning tracks, the Preston four-piece have done a cracking job of hitting all the right notes, offering one heck of an introduction to their sound while proving they have the songwriting talent to back up the online and live hype they have been receiving.
The EP kicks off with the title track 'Mr Penny', with high energy, glorious guitar riffery, and a bright, breezy vibe. It’s an earworm of a track that feels built for a sunny day spent around a barbecue. Sonically, they have a real swagger about them and raw charm that heavily reminds me of The Libertines at times.
From there, "The Curse" slows things down slightly and temporarily, opening with a beautifully dreamy guitar intro. Harry Hornsby, the frontman, takes centre stage with his vocals, spinning a relatable story of romantic uncertainty, love, and everything that encompasses it. The track expertly builds tension before launching into a powerful rhythm, with Matt Barron's drums picking up the pace to revive that classic indie energy.
The emotional peak of the EP arrives with 'She Said', a track that dives headfirst into the turmoil of a breakup. That heavy emotion is perfectly mirrored in the grittier, heavier weight of the instrumentals. The Cases deliver a standout moment toward the end with a spectacular drum fill which, I will be honest, I rewound and listened to a few times, which serves to heighten the connection between the lyrics and the music. It feels like a release of pent-up emotion, like one last explosion of colour from a firework before it fizzles out into nothing, like the dying embers of the relationship they are singing about.
Closing out the EP is "Romantic", which feels incredibly uplifting in comparison to the heartache of the previous track. It manages to recapture that bright, airy atmosphere found on the opening title track, making the EP feel as though it has come full circle. It left me feeling energised and wanting more.
The Cases have openly quoted a whole host of influences, from legacy icons like The Beatles and The Small Faces to bands like The K’s and The Royston Club. I can definitely hear that in this EP. And if they hope to follow in the footsteps of those bands, they certainly have the talent to match those ambitions. I for one can't wait to hear what they do next.
The EP kicks off with the title track 'Mr Penny', with high energy, glorious guitar riffery, and a bright, breezy vibe. It’s an earworm of a track that feels built for a sunny day spent around a barbecue. Sonically, they have a real swagger about them and raw charm that heavily reminds me of The Libertines at times.
From there, "The Curse" slows things down slightly and temporarily, opening with a beautifully dreamy guitar intro. Harry Hornsby, the frontman, takes centre stage with his vocals, spinning a relatable story of romantic uncertainty, love, and everything that encompasses it. The track expertly builds tension before launching into a powerful rhythm, with Matt Barron's drums picking up the pace to revive that classic indie energy.
The emotional peak of the EP arrives with 'She Said', a track that dives headfirst into the turmoil of a breakup. That heavy emotion is perfectly mirrored in the grittier, heavier weight of the instrumentals. The Cases deliver a standout moment toward the end with a spectacular drum fill which, I will be honest, I rewound and listened to a few times, which serves to heighten the connection between the lyrics and the music. It feels like a release of pent-up emotion, like one last explosion of colour from a firework before it fizzles out into nothing, like the dying embers of the relationship they are singing about.
Closing out the EP is "Romantic", which feels incredibly uplifting in comparison to the heartache of the previous track. It manages to recapture that bright, airy atmosphere found on the opening title track, making the EP feel as though it has come full circle. It left me feeling energised and wanting more.
The Cases have openly quoted a whole host of influences, from legacy icons like The Beatles and The Small Faces to bands like The K’s and The Royston Club. I can definitely hear that in this EP. And if they hope to follow in the footsteps of those bands, they certainly have the talent to match those ambitions. I for one can't wait to hear what they do next.
DISCOVER THE CASES:
linktr.ee/thecases
linktr.ee/thecases