Casablanca Drivers Release Third Album ‘Protocol’ with Focus Track “Lazy”

Release Third Album ‘Protocol’ with Focus Track “Lazy”

Corsican-Born, Paris-Based Duo Deliver Bold Alternative Dance Album Produced by NIT, Mixed by Ash Workman, with Artwork by Alex Courtès

PARIS – Corsican-born, Paris-based indie-pop band Casablanca Drivers release their third album ‘Protocol’, out 24th April 2026 via Arts & Crafts México and Mattan Records. The ten-track record unfolds as a cohesive yet adventurous journey through a wide spectrum of sounds—weaving together pulsating rhythms, sharp-edged guitars, and shimmering French Touch-inspired synths, all carried by powerful, magnetic vocal lines. The result is both physical and sensual.

“‘Protocol’ is our third album, and it reaffirms our singular ability to fuse rock energy with electronic and dance textures without ever falling into cliché,” explain duo Nicolas Paoletti (vocals/guitar) and Alexandre Diani (vocals/guitar). “We’ve rooted this record in a bold alternative dance approach to songwriting. It’s physical and sensual—designed to make you move while keeping an edge.”

Produced by NIT (Sébastien Tellier, Cola Boyy) and mixed by Ash Workman (Metronomy, Baxter Dury), ‘Protocol’ represents the culmination of Casablanca Drivers’ evolution from Corsican garage rock origins to Paris-based synth-heavy psychedelic pop innovators often compared to Phoenix meets Tame Impala. The album strips down production to its essentials whilst maintaining a linear structure that keeps focus on momentum and intensity—no unnecessary detours, just unrelenting forward motion from start to finish.

The album’s focus track “Lazy” exemplifies ‘Protocol’s’ ability to balance restraint with release. Like the rest of the record, it showcases the band’s signature approach: dancefloor-ready beats with garage guitars, basslines 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, proving the band’s ability to craft rock choruses built for clubs.

The album’s art direction was designed by legendary French artist and director Alex Courtès, who created iconic album artwork for Daft Punk, Air, and Cassius—and famously designed Daft Punk’s iconic helmets. A French Touch icon, Courtès began his career creating visuals for French house musicians after studying at Penninghen. In 1999, he directed music videos for Cassius, and has since worked with Phoenix (“If I Ever Feel Better”), The White Stripes (“Seven Nation Army”), U2 (“Vertigo” – Grammy Award winner), Kylie Minogue, Sébastien Tellier, Jamiroquai, Franz Ferdinand, Justice, and Kasabian.

His involvement positions ‘Protocol’ within a visual and sonic lineage of French electronic and indie music heritage.

The path to ‘Protocol’ unfolded through a series of singles that showcased the album’s sonic range. “Easy” set the tone, followed by “Plastic” (currently at #20 on the Netherlands Alternative/Indie Charts), which explored psychedelic pop territories. “Garage” (January 2026) delivered raw garage rock energy driven by distorted guitars and tight rhythm sections, blending visceral early 2000s rock energy with electronic edge. Most recently, “X-Ray” (March 2026) explored intimate, nocturnal dimensions—a retro-futuristic dance track caught between restraint and release, like a lost late-’80s night out in a dead city.

Each single revealed a different facet of the album’s personality, building toward a complete vision that refuses to settle into any single sound.

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, focusing on characters in different bars. 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 ‘Protocol’, Casablanca Drivers deliver high-energy, danceable music that feels both nostalgic and strikingly current—raw, relentless, and unapologetically physical.

Album: ‘Protocol’
Focus Track: “Lazy”
Release Date: 24th April 2026
Tracks: 10
Produced by: NIT (Sébastien Tellier, Cola Boyy)
Mixed by: Ash Workman (Metronomy, Baxter Dury)
Mastered by: Zino Mikorey
Artwork by: Alex Courtès
Label: Arts & Crafts México / Mattan Records
Booking: Podium Agency (France/Europe)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casablancadrivers/