The highly anticipated album, ‘The Mess We Seem To Make’, by Crawlers, has finally arrived, and it exceeds all expectations. The album offers a perfect blend of the band’s signature sound coupled with a refined touch of sophistication and style. The track ‘Hit It Again’ is a perfect example of the band’s glam rock influences, while ‘Would You Come To My Funeral’ and ‘What I Know Is What I Love’ are fast-paced, high-energy songs that will make you want to headbang. Holly Minto’s vocals are the icing on the cake, capable of cutting through the noise and expressing even the most emotional and heart-wrenching lyrics. The album’s most prominent song, ‘Golden Bridge’, is a testament to Minto’s gut-wrenching lyricism and the band’s growth as songwriters since their first EP.
From the electrifying opener, ‘Meaningless Sex’ to the fuzzy ‘Kiss Me’, Crawlers have nailed the balance between vulnerability, intimacy, and stadium-ready compositions. ‘Hit It Again’ demonstrates the band’s willingness to crank up the heaviness when needed, while ‘Would You Come to My Funeral’ is a teasing lyrical masterclass with a pulsing bassline and an infectious chorus that will leave you humming for days.
For many fans, ‘Come Over (Again)’, the 2021 single, served as their introduction to the band, with over 50 million Spotify streams to its credit. It’s fitting that this defining song finds a home on Crawlers’ debut album, ‘The Mess We Seem To Make’, which marks the end of their live performances. ‘Kiss Me’ has a similar anthemic nature, contrasting its intimacy with soaring guitar passages and the intensity of Liv Kettle’s bassline. The pace ramps up on ‘Hit It Again’, with a heavy chorus that is sure to incite mosh pits at future gigs. Departing from the band’s tour-de-force approach to their 2022 mixtape, ‘Loud Without Noise,’ this album gives its material more breathing room, allowing Holly Minto’s earnest vocal delivery to take centre stage.
The track “What I Know Is What I Love” is a standout example of how one can easily become submerged in the emotions that the album conveys. However, “The Mess We Seem to Make” offers a warm embrace and an understanding nod to the vast array of complicated feelings that we all experience. The reality is that we are not always in control of our emotions, and it is all too easy to spiral out of control. Crawlers do an exceptional job of making these gut punches of reality count, providing a poignant reminder of the importance of self-love and emotional restraint. The album encourages listeners to take a step back and appreciate the beauty of life, even amid the chaos and challenges that it presents.
The Mess You Seem To Make delivers on their promise to delve into challenging topics such as trauma, sexual politics, mental health, and the turbulence of youth. Loneliness, insecurity, and toxic dependencies are thoughtfully explored throughout the album. The band’s unique alt-rock sound is expertly crafted by producer Pete Robertson and engineer Tom Roach at Liverpool’s Coastal Studios, resulting in anthemic rock tunes that showcase each member’s distinctive playing style. Unrestricted by a single sonic direction, they maintain the free-spirited energy of their previous mixtape, Loud Without Noise, resulting in a standout debut that cements their status as the U.K.’s next breakthrough alternative act. As a longtime fan of Crawlers, I’m eagerly anticipating their rise to become the U.K.’s next big artist.
Crawlers offer a powerful message that highlights the significance of relearning to love and respect oneself to confront the unavoidable horrors and heartbreaks of life. The lyrics and emotional implications of this album are incredibly impactful. The album provides a raw and vivid portrayal of the complexities of human emotions that can often be overwhelming to deal with. It is easy to get lost in the intimacy of the lyrics and the emotions they evoke, and it can be challenging to exercise restraint.
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