In general, I’m pretty leery of side-projects, normally because they don’t live up the high expectations thrown on them, (see BOXCAR RACER, ugh…), but the CRO(W)S shattered my myths with this outstanding full-length. With lead vocals coming from Chris Wollard, the sound at first is unmistakably HOT WATER MUSIC, but the music, over the course of the eleven songs, clearly pushes the band into a more pure, hardcore punk rock direction, like a cross between grimy BAD RELIGION, STRIKE ANYWHERE, and a more streamlined AVAIL. All in all, the dark, infectious sound feels overwhelmingly aggressive and hooky – a combination all bands should strive for! Lyrically, there’s much rage floating about, and thankfully, it’s all surface level, meaning easy to grab onto and sing along with, but not irrelevant in focus. The big factor that seals this disc for me is the way the band treats their oversoaring vocals – almost forcing the music to play catch up. I swear I also hear Chuck from HWM on here somewhere. Anyway, if your thinking that all punk rock is currently draped in a state of false sensitivity, give the CRO(W)S a spin and revel in the fighting spirit.

Crows and Pawns

www.crowsandpawns.com