Cross Wires - Assembly EP
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| Cross Wires - Assembly EP |
Existing on the Romford/Bethnal
Green border, Cross Wires are that classic post-punk, agit-indie band that the
British music industry was built on. Drawing influences from the likes of the
Jam and the Buzzcocks is one thing but this is your archetypal gang of mates
who are in to drinking, smoking, football and being in a band (that's not an
assumption, it says as much on their Facebook profile). This latest offering
from the Essex/London boys kicks off, quite literally, with the up-tight
pop-thrash of 'Stranger's Bed' that features some early Arctic Monkey's guitars
and some early Libertines vocals with great effect. 'Acid Bath' is another
itchy, agitated number with dissatisfaction running through it as frontman
Jonathan Chapman repeatedly spits "What's the point of all of this?"
like a grumpy old man despite the fact that he can't be more than about 19. The
essence of punk runs through Cross Wires but in the way kids think of it these
days after years of listening to Blink 182 and Sum 4.
Things slow down slightly and
take on a jerky, skanking rhythm on 'I Want To Be Your Man (Again)' as Chapman
sings like a drunk trying to get his girlfriend to let him in to the house at
3.00am ( you know what I mean "Tracey, I love you. Please baby. Just let
me in. I'll do anything you want.........stupid cow......please!?!"). The
EP comes to a close with 'White Dress' which is a departure for the band as
there is a little more emphasis on mood and melody but the drums are still
tight and punchy while the vocals are a little more Morrisey meets Mark E
Smith. Cross Wires are the kind of band that will probably always fair better
live than in the recorded medium as it is pretty much impossible to capture
their energy but this is a very good
stab.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/CrossWires?fref=ts
Listen/Free Download: http://crosswires.bandcamp.com/