The Crookes – Hold Fast
After bursting onto the British indie music scene back in 2009, Sheffield romantics The Crookes are back with their new album Hold Fast. With the loss of guitarist Alex Saunders, the band’s line-up includes new member Tom Dakin. The Crookes haven’t lost their charm, however, with their follow-up album to their rated debut Chasing After Ghosts.
The first single released and the ignition of their second album Afterglow is a corker and you’re hooked after the first opening seconds with the quick tap drums smashing through to their addictive indie riff. Euphoric lyrics of living off the joy of happy days that have been joined with the “oh oh oh’s” create a warm song, that will have you repeating it for a very long time.
The album continues with the indie romanticism with Maybe In The Dark, a lyrically witty track with lines such as “Maybe you’re right, just for tonight. But your clumsy kiss won’t taste so clever.” The fourth track, American Girls, changes the pace with the chilling acapella from vocalist George Waite drawing you in to produce a track reminiscent of 50s/60s American rock. This continues in The Cooler King including the claps and yelps of would be 50s American bar crowd.
Title track Hold Fast is a track that truly divulges The Crookes’ talent, with heart on sleeve lyrics and catchy sounds, which breaks down before the final chorus with finesse and style which I’d be impressed if you could sit still through.
Out of the closing tracks off the album, Sal Paradise brings the pace down to a sunset engorged tune, flowing easily and enjoyable to the end without realisation. The closer is the clincher; The I Love You Bridge is beautifully unpolished and raw, separating them from clichéd indie pop. The lyrics are down to earth and relatable which draws the curtain for the album with a humble but powerful atmosphere.
Hold Fast is an album that requires more than one listen for it’s more hidden joys on some of the tracks, and the more upbeat sounds such as Afterglow are instantly favourites producing a diverse and fun album. The boys may not be revolutionary, but what they do is good, really good!
Standout track – The I Love You Bridge
Simon Franklin
Hold Fast is released by Fierce Panda Records on 9th July 2012.
Watch the video for Afterglow here:
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