Casablanca Drivers have today dropped their new video titled ‘X-Ray’, from their upcoming album ‘Protocol’, releasing April 24th via Arts & Crafts México / Mattan Records.
Paris based duo Casablanca Drivers tap into a moody kind of nocturnal energy on their track ‘X-Ray’, a song that feels like stumbling into a neon lit memory that never quite existed. The atmosphere lands somewhere between nostalgia and mystery, as if the listener has wandered into the final hour of a night out in a quiet city. There is a cinematic quality to the opening moments that pulls you into its shadowy corners and keeps you there.
Vocals and guitars from Nicolas Paoletti and Alexandre Diani guide the track through verses that carry a simmering tension. The arrangement builds patiently, allowing the rhythm section to create a sleek pulse beneath the surface. That tension finally loosens its grip when the chorus arrives, opening into something softer but still edged with a sharp emotional bite that gives the song its memorable hook.
The rhythm section deserves particular attention because it gives the track its distinct character. There is a sensual, leather textured groove running through the song that keeps everything grounded while still leaving room for atmosphere. It moves with a confident, understated swagger that feels both intimate and kinetic, creating the sensation of motion even when the song pulls back into quieter moments.
What makes the track linger is the mood it leaves behind. ‘X-Ray’ captures that strange emotional space between restraint and release, like dancing alone in a dim room where nobody else can see you. It is stylish without trying too hard and evocative without becoming heavy handed. The result is a song that feels timeless in a slightly haunted way, the kind of late night indie gem that rewards repeat listening and keeps revealing new shades each time it plays.
“X-Ray feels like a lost late-’80s night out in a dead city,” explain duo Nicolas Paoletti (vocals/guitar) and Alexandre Diani (vocals/guitar). “With a subtle, retro-futuristic flair, verses are loaded with tension that finally loosen their grip in soft but acid striking choruses. There’s a sensual, leather-like edge to the rhythm section, giving the song a sleek, intimate feel while still making you want to move. It’s the sound of someone dancing on their own, caught between restraint and release, somewhere out of sight.”
About ‘X-Ray’
Produced by NIT (Sébastien Tellier, Cola Boyy) and mixed by Ash Workman (Metronomy, Baxter Dury), “X-Ray” showcases the band’s ability to craft dancefloor-ready beats with garage guitars, a bassline made for both clubbers and punks, and wild vocals that remind us when it’s too easy, there’s no fun. Workman’s punchy, clear mix gives the track the sonic precision that has become a signature of the ‘Protocol’ sessions.
“X-Ray” follows previous singles “Easy”, “Plastic” (currently at #20 on the Netherlands Alternative/Indie Charts), and “Garage“—each setting the tone for an album that blends the visceral energy of early 2000s electro-clash with contemporary indie-pop sensibilities. Where “Garage” delivered raw, relentless forward motion and “Plastic” explored psychedelic pop territories, “X-Ray” finds the band exploring a more intimate, nocturnal dimension—verses loaded with tension giving way to soft but acidic choruses.
The single’s artwork continues the band’s collaboration with legendary French artist and director Alex Courtès, who has created iconic album artwork for Daft Punk, Air, and Cassius—and famously designed Daft Punk’s iconic helmets. Courtès, who began his career creating visuals for French house musicians after studying at Penninghen, has directed music videos for Phoenix (“If I Ever Feel Better”), The White Stripes (“Seven Nation Army”), U2 (“Vertigo” – Grammy Award winner), and many more. His involvement positions ‘Protocol’ within a visual and sonic lineage of French electronic and indie music heritage.
‘Protocol’ Tracklist
- Lazy
- Going to the Hamptons
- Plastic
- Garage
- Sorry
- Feeling Good
- Cube
- X-Ray
- Easy
- Fears
About Casablanca Drivers
Formed in Corsica before relocating to Paris, Casablanca Drivers gained recognition for their 2020 debut album ‘Super Adventure Club’, which incorporated themes of nightlife and urban adventure. Their sound—initially rooted in garage rock—has evolved into a synth-heavy, psychedelic pop blend often compared to Phoenix meets Tame Impala.
Following key releases including the EP ‘Tabloid’ and singles like “No Mercy” and “Take Action” feat. Kirin J Callinan, the duo have worked with producer James Ireland (Pond), indie artist Max Baby, and current collaborator NIT.
The band recently opened for Rey Pila in Mexico City (December 2025) and are signed to Arts & Crafts México and Mattan Records for releases, with French booking agency Podium Agency representing them for a France/Europe tour currently in development.
With “X-Ray,” Casablanca Drivers deliver music that feels both nostalgic and strikingly current—caught between restraint and release, intimate yet made to move.
LINKS:
https://linktr.ee/casablanca.drivers
https://www.instagram.com/casablancadrivers/