The Cranks - Downside Up
2011, The Cranks
The Cranks dish out their
distinctive blend of prep-school, post-punk pop on their second CD, Downside
Up. Released in May of this year, Downside Up once again highlights
the distinctive voice of Haley Gowland. Backed by her twin brother Connor
Gowland in drums and Greg Preston on bass, Gowland turns listeners every
which way loose on Downside Up. The Cranks show growth from their debut
EP, What? both as performers and in the songwriting department. Gowland's
lyrics are fresh and relevant, but are losing some of that youthful feel as The
Cranks traverse adolescence and enter the complicated waters of young
adulthood.
Opening with "Voice
Inside", The Cranks offer up a catchy number with punk energy and real pop
sensibility. Haley Gowland is thoroughly engaging on "Mexico", and
the rest of the Cranks raise their game in an angular style that highlights the
topsy-turvy sound that pervades here. "Under Radar" is a well-written
musical allegory for not being seen socially. The song is catchy as anything,
and could be a breakout song for the band. "Under Radar" is the sort
of song a smart music director might pick for the soundtrack of a teen comedy
full of angst. "Good Guys" shows a bit of the younger feel of The
Cranks' earlier work, but is well-written nonetheless; a solid album track.
"Super Secret" seems a
likely allegory, perhaps for something personal, but also seems applicable to a
world where so many things happen around us that we never see. Either way, the
song shows a real insight into the intricacies of a world where everything is
negotiated and little is ever set in stone. The highlight of Downside Up
is a rough little jewel entitled "Scatterbox". Punk energy and sound
meet pure pop gold in a bit of musical magic that speaks very well for the
future of The Cranks. "Here I Go" keeps much of that energy and verve
going in another song with real pop potential. The Cranks closes things up with
the pure joy of "Pirate". If you've ever heard a song that just
screamed that the band was having fun recording, then this is it.
The Cranks continue to build their
sound and style, and on Downside Up have become a cohesive and mature
trio, rattling off catchy and intelligent punk-influenced pop songs like
afterthoughts. While the Cranks are a cohesive whole, their shining light is
Haley Gowland, who is maturing into a convincing front-woman before your very
ears. The Cranks have a real future. Downside Up is the proof.
Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)
Learn more about The Cranks at www.thecranks.com on Facebook. Downside
Up is available for download from Amazon.com
and iTunes.
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