I’m fading away I’m fading away
I’ve been inside those eyes with the lights have
faded I’ve been sat down in this town forever forever
– Behind Those Eyes
At first listen ‘X’ by Everything’s a Crime is a head scratcher. Not in a bad way but in an interesting way. A really interesting way.
This album reminded me of Empire of the Sun and Outkast to start with an then as things unfolded a more post punk sound came through – the arrangements are really strong. Discordant in places, unsettling in others but it strikes a balance between interesting, curious and intriguing. The singer has an interesting cadence and delivery which kind of grabs you by the shoulder and shakes you.
The arrangements are absolutely on point. The drum programming and the interweaving guitars leave so much space that the vocals can just drift. It’s tasteful but you may have to strap in and listen because I feel a first listen doesn’t do this justice and challenges the listener but ultimately has it’s rewards.
Yeah, no,
I get it
Yeah, no
I get it
If it’s all the same
if it’s all the same
– Princess (Pathetic)
All these musical motifs, perfect choices. It doesn’t let go. As I listen another band comes to mind and it’s Joy Division especially towards the end of the album. And it all makes sense. There’s a very post punk sensibility here, I can see them rehearing in a windy warehouse somewhere in late 70s Manchester.
Those choices again, the right choices born out of necessity or honesty or both. Whatever, it all loops back to the same thing. A strong feeling, an innate originality, an emotional awareness and musical honesty.
My standout track is the last track, the bonus track, “Hotsauce” which really made me travel back in time. It’s driving bass and hooky slanted, disjointed guitars along with the lead vocal and overdubs really lend it a very Factory sound. I’m sure Martin Hannett would approve of this.
“X” is one of the more unconventional indie rock albums I’ve heard in a while. It has a little too much drive and funk to be fully considered shoe-gaze, but the feeling I get from the music is still relaxed and flowing. The vocals are mixed in such a way, that they are mostly sitting under the instrumentation.
Together with the heavy use of reverb and echo it feels like they are providing a support on which guitar and bass are resting, while the percussion and synth drive the songs forward. It certainly is an interesting effect that I’ve not encountered much before. Lyrically the songs tell stories about struggles in a relationship, again reinforced by the expressive vocals. As I said in the beginning, “X” is rather unconventional, however, it is not difficult to listen to and digest, quite the opposite in fact!
My favorite song from “X” is “Drywall (You got Red on You)”. It moves in a more psychedelic direction and the vocals by @tamikakoga.bsky.social feel extra theatrical. Simply a great, atmospheric and moody track!
Definitely an album that I can fully recommend!
– Florgoth
you fool
I’d dive down rabbit holes
I’d dive down rabbit holes for you
you fool
It all feels like a clash of elements that somehow fall perfectly into place, creating something truly memorable. All of it by a band that “started as a punk band and then eventually settling into nothing specific” as stated on E.A.C’s bandcamp page.
I highly recommend hitting play and experiencing it for yourself.
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