As you can probably tell by the caps rage in which aggro-punks CRASHFACE present their moniker, along with the title of their latest EP, this duo are no shrinking violets. For LIFE AND DEATH IN THE WASTELAND contains five tracks that are abrasive (but melodic) and invade the listener’s personal space like a drunken brawler looking for trouble on a Saturday night. EP number three finds this crew breaking new ground, whilst also coming full-circle, and delivering a set of songs that will transform them from media darlings into fan favourites.
Despite its original proclamation of anarchy and “no rules” ethos, punk soon became a scene shackled by rules and regulations with the studded leather becoming a straightjacket that confined rather than freed. Whilst many a purest might decry electronics in punk, that’s exactly why they should be included, and the brief drum ‘n’ bass into that begins opening track ‘ATROCITY’ will have less-than-hardy souls running for cover, but those with an open mind will soon be greeted by an energetic song, and one that bounces around like a box full of frogs. Full of sonic shifts which constantly repositions the listener, this is the type of song (and indeed, EP) which demands your full attention, as the sound fractures and sends shards shooting in every direction. It’s the kind of EP that makes the perfect calling card with each track displaying a different facet; subsequently, we’re treated to some fast-paced rap on ‘C.H.A.I.N.S.A.W.’ whilst the following ‘BUBBLEGUM’ moves with a distinctly almost (shock, horror) pop sensibility. Featuring a guest spot from Sam Matlock (who helped write and record the very first CRASHFACE song), the aptly-titled ‘MANIAC’ takes the band back to their roots with a sudden turbocharged burst of energy and it’s something carried over onto closer ‘SURRENDER LESSONS’, a track that swings with wrecking ball force and finds the band departing in a ball of energy, which is exactly how they arrived.
Without rules and unconstrained by genre expectations, CRASHFACE have broken away from the past and LIFE AND DEATH IN THE WASTELAND is the sound of punk to come.
- LIFE AND DEATH IN THE WASTELAND is self-released on 13th September 2024.
- Official Website | Facebook | Instagram | X
Track List:
- ATROCITY
- C.H.A.I.N.S.A.W.
- BUBBLEGUM
- MANIAC
- SURRENDER LESSONS
