EP Review: Crash Island – Stormy Nights
Stormy Nights EP
Released 7th November 2014
Words: Julia Grantham
Describing themselves as ‘dark tropical Indie-rock’ Crash Island have just released their 4th EP entitled Stormy Nights. Gaining popularity on soundcloud, this four-piece from London’s trendy Stoke Newington are gathering momentum and fame as I type, with a gig planned in Kentish town this very weekend.
Perhaps a little less ‘dark’ than their previous EPs, Stormy Night is more Indie-pop overall and can be likened to Klaxons, early Razorlight and Kooks. Instantly catchy and irresistible the temptation to get up and dance when listening to their latest release is immediate. The vocals, whilst not especially original, are made all the more likeable for their familiarity, sounding very early noughties and even reviving those popular albums -in the memory at least- such as Razorlight’s self-titled album of 2006.
The first track on the EP, Time To Move On, has a very 80s opening, reminding us of a March Violets style drumbeat. A strong rhythm leads into clear and crisp vocals. The clever thing about this song, is that it transcends genres. Indie rock yet pop which will surely reach a wide audience and deservedly so. Wistful and melancholy but forceful, this opening tune has an impact. Howl (Come On!) has all the energy of Klaxons, yet has its own take on an otherwise late 70s-style rock number, almost a little Roxy Music in places with an appealing synth-vibe thrown in.
One Of These Days is perhaps the most dreamy tune on the EP, and yet the trademark sound of this band seems to be the strong and steady drumbeat, making them so very danceable! Particularly lovely is the interlude consisting of harmonised backing vocals, maybe my own personal favourite. Following this, is an acoustic version of Leavin Me Roar and yet even acoustically, Crash Island still have the power to deliver an energetic song, leaving us under no doubt of a moshpit forming when they play live gigs! Ending this fine EP is a remix version of Howl (Come On!) which can only be described as very early 90s dance meets 2014 Indie Rock. Innovative, immediately likeable and the kind of EP you won’t think twice about wanting to download! I predict great things for this up-and-coming band.
Listen to Time To Move On here:
poppedmusic 