On February 16th, Liverpool-based band Crawlers released their much anticipated debut album. Rather than forcing themselves in any sonic direction, they have maintained the free-wheeling spirit of their previous EPs, producing a striking debut which cements their status as one of the UK’s most exciting young bands.
Crawlers are: Holly Minto (they/she): vocals & trumpet, Amy Woodall (she/her): lead guitar, Liv May (she/they): bass guitar and Harry Breen (he/him): drums
Speaking about the record, entitled The Mess We Seem To Make, singer Holly Minto says: “This album debut comes from us honing our craft, being vulnerable with each other, finding our sound and saying exactly what we wanted to.”
The Mess We Seem To Make, delves into raw and poignant themes; trauma, sexual politics, mental health, feelings of loneliness, and toxic forms of dependence are held up to the light and examined in close context. With twelve tracks that traverse the emotional landscape, this album invites listeners to confront their own vulnerabilities and experiences.
The album’s opening track is ‘Meaningless Sex’. The song’s title sets the tone: it’s about experiencing physical encounters stripped of meaning or attachment, whilst craving a more sincere connection. Crawlers delve into the complexities of casual encounters, where desire and emptiness collide. The rhythm pulses like a heartbeat, echoing the urgency of impulsive decisions. ‘Kiss Me’ seems to follow in a similar vein, Holly Minto’s voice begging “Can you love me how you f*ck me?” and “I don’t want this, I want you.” This second track invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences with intimacy, insecurity, and the search for authentic connection.
Another common theme throughout the record is the struggle with substance abuse. This is touched on in the opening track where Crawlers appear to compare the encounter to heroin, and is further explored in the 3rd track, ‘Hit it Again.’ A pulsating beat combined with almost monotone vocals building to a chorus that becomes a cathartic release, it’s a battle cry for those caught in cycles they can’t escape.
In the fourth track, ‘Better if I Just Pretend’ the instrumentals mirror the dichotomy of the lyrics: a seductive bassline juxtaposed with haunting guitar riffs.
‘Would You Come To My Funeral’ follows Crawlers’ signature alt-rock sound, merging 90s-style effects with their angst-ridden lyrics. Building up over a fuzzy riff before cascading into an anthemic chorus, the track explores fractured relationships and lovers left behind.
Track 6 is titled ‘Golden Bridge’. Regret reverberates through this song. Crawlers’ lyrics dissect missed opportunities and irreversible choices. The piano accompaniment adds depth to the emotional vocals.
‘Come Over Again’s swaying harmonies and stripped down guitar riffs are a nod to its start as an acoustic song. The final chorus brings the emotional intensity to its peak: the repetition of the song’s title takes on a desperate, pleading tone, revealing the narrator’s longing for connection and their inability to break free from the toxic cycle.
In ‘Kills Me To Be Kind,’ guitarist Amy Woodall’s riffs really shine, adding texture as the harmonies pull you in.
The lyrics of track 9 ‘What I Know Is What I Love’, seem to speak about a relationship that has become almost too comfortable. Lines such as “There’s a part of me that needs to think for myself” illustrate the suffocating nature of the relationship that’s being described. The rhythmic drumming during the verses builds to an almost shouted chorus that lends itself to head-banging.
‘I End Up Alone’ is one of my personal favourite tracks on the record. The intro is reminiscent of 90’s grunge legends like Nirvana, with drummer Harry Breen’s legendary beats driving the urgency, while the vocals grapple with inner demons.
In the penultimate track ‘Call It Love’, the instrumentation in the verse is comparatively sparse, allowing Holly Minto’s drawling vocals to take centre stage. Crawlers’ ability to convey heartache is palpable, but the chorus of this song appears to end with a slightly more hopeful tone.
The album concludes with a whisper; Crawlers leave us with lingering echoes, inviting introspection. Again, the slightly sparser arrangement of “Nighttime Affair” allows the lyrics to resonate.
In all, Crawlers’ The Mess We Seem To Make is an unflinching exploration of human fragility. Their honest lyricism, soulful vocals, and evocative instrumentation create an immersive experience.
Written by: Molly Day
Edited by: Sem Van Poucke
