ARTIST
Crazy Arm
 |
CRAZY ARM |
FROM
Plymouth, Devon
FORMED
2006
LINE-UP
Jon Dailey – Guitar & Bass
Darren Johns – Vocals & Guitar
Simon Marsh – Drums
Tim Rowing-Parker – Bass & Vocals
Vicky Butterfield – Vocals
Patrick James Pearson – Keys & Fiddle
WHY SHOULD I CARE?
Because they care. Alot. There is no doubting the fact that
these Westcountry roots-rockers are politicized but rather than blindly raging
against the machine like so many also-rans, Crazy Arm write insightful,
informed and influential songs that could rouse even the most dormant mind. Songs
such as ‘Song of Choice’ and ‘Tribes’ are unashamedly and squarely directed at
highlighting the most troubling elements of society (i.e. the BNP, English
Defence League, corrupt organisations and individuals as well as, most
importantly, those who turn a blind eye to the former). The most outstanding
thing about Crazy Arm, though, is that even if you took away the excellent
lyrical content and replaced it with a series of grunts and whistles, the tunes
would still grab you by the scruff of your neck and slap you around the face.
In fact, they may only be two albums in to their career (2009s Born To Ruin and
the excellent follow up Union City Breath, both on XL Recordings) but Crazy Arm
have already amassed a bucket full of songs that could be future classics.
Stylistically they range from rhythmic roots-folk that wouldn’t be out of place
in a smokey country pub on a cold winter’s night to furious and hectic
punk-rock belters that would tempt you in to sweaty tent at Reading Festival
and spit you out again feeling delirious but alive. This is music for thinkers
for sure but more importantly this is music for doers. Everything about this
band is urgent and to the point like they have a message for the world and they
need to get that message across now. I suggest you listen. And listen good.
FIRST PORT OF CALL
Either of the bands albums will be a great addition to your
collection but if you’re looking for specific tracks then I recommend ‘Charnel
House Blues’ from the Union City Breath album for the more folky end of the
band’s spectrum. For the harder, heavier end of things then you can go wrong
with latest album opener ‘Of The Tarantulas’, the driving bass, intricate
guitar work pounding drums will have you hooked by the time the vocals come in.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Crazy Arm were one of many bands on independent labels to
have their physical album releases destroyed in last summer’s riots but you can
now get your hands on the Union City Breath CD which, refreshingly, comes with
full lyrics and brief background information on the songs. However, the best
way to experience this Devonian sextet is to see and hear them in the live
arena and, as luck would have it, they are about to embark on a short tour. So,
get yourselves to any of the following;
19.04.12 – The Unit, Southampton
20.04.12 – Harry’s Bar, Stoke
21.04.12 – The Cockpit 3, Leeds
22.04.12 – Hit The Deck @ The Forum, Nottingham
23.04.12 – Single Launch @ The Old Blue Last, London (Free
show)