Sydney’s punk-rock juggernauts, Crash & The Crapenters, are back with a vengeance, hurling their raw and potent third studio album, ‘Of A Love Renewed,’ into the musical battleground. Released last January 9, This album is all about speaking their minds on what’s been happening lately, especially after COVID, delivering an unapologetic social commentary that echoes the rebellious spirit of punk’s golden era. Think of it like a punk time machine, taking you back to when punk was all about being real and honest.
The album kicks off with ‘Runner’s High,’ a musical sprint capturing the endorphin rush post-long run. It’s a manifesto for mental health, reminding us that sometimes the best therapy is a relentless drumbeat and a roaring guitar riff. If your sneakers could talk, they’d thank Crash & The Crapenters for being their new workout anthem. Then comes ‘I Don’t Get Johnny Funk,’ a funky adventure that feels like old Red Hot Chili Peppers. It’s the band scratching their heads about the confusing world we live in. If funk were a puzzle, this track would be the missing piece that ties it all together.
‘Go Get Gone‘ is a powerful song about freedom after lockdown. It’s like a musical high-five to being free and loving your home, an auditory proclamation of independence that makes you want to grab your skateboard and cruise through the streets, soaking in the liberation. ‘Somebody To Believe In‘ brings classic rock vibes, talking about finding meaning in a world full of fake stuff and broken promises. It’s like Crash & The Crapenters turned back the clock, inviting us to join them on a journey to find meaning in a musical time machine fueled by roaring guitars and soul-stirring lyrics.
Shifting to a downtempo swagger, ‘Chains‘ prompts introspection on the fortune of belonging. Picture yourself in a dimly lit pub, swaying to the rhythm, contemplating the weight of home. And just when you thought you’ve got it figured out, ‘F*ck You and Your Phone‘ storms in, a fierce punk anthem decrying the perils of device dependence. It’s the rebellious battle cry against the digital shackles that bind us.
As we reach the climax, ‘Those Who Matter Don’t Mind‘ radiates Aussie punk vibes, a celebration of self-belief and freedom of mind and soul. It’s a declaration that doing what you want is a rebellious act, regardless of others’ opinions. Crash & The Crapenters invite you to join their punk party, where conformity is left at the door. Things get serious with ‘Guilty As Sin,’ a strong track calling out the Catholic Church for covering up bad stuff. A musically potent track boldly indicting the priests of the Catholic Church. The lyrics serve as a scathing critique, shining a light on the institution’s cover-ups and the need for accountability. It’s punk’s unfiltered gaze on societal flaws, challenging the status quo.
The tempo shifts with ‘Ride It Out,’ an upbeat ska-punk vibe emphasizing the importance of self-care. It’s a musical escape, encouraging listeners to find joy and relief amid the chaos of the world. Following is ‘For Tilly’s Sake,’ a poignant tribute to Matilda Rosewarne, a victim of social media bullying. It’s a powerful reminder of the real-world consequences of virtual cruelty.
‘The Grieving Song‘ takes us on a dynamic rollercoaster, shifting from upbeat ska to a raucous outro, exploring the heavy weight of grief. The musical journey is an emotional whirlwind, a proof to Crash & The Crapenters’ ability to capture the complexities of human emotion. The grand finale, ‘The World Is Broken,’ is a jagged punk anthem serving as a plea for change. It’s a warning siren that our current path leads to impending doom. Crash & The Crapenters leave us with a haunting realization, challenging us to question, resist, and strive for a better world.
Thematically potent and musically intense, ‘Of A Love Renewed‘ is a ruthless punk-rock album that isn’t for the weak-willed. It’s a raw and unfiltered rebellion, packing a punch and a razor-sharp bite. Crash & The Crapenters have crafted an opus that not only echoes the bygone era of punk but also carves a space for their unapologetic voice in the contemporary musical world.
