CRAWLERS - THE MESS WE SEEM TO MAKE
Liverpool band Crawlers' debut album The Mess We Seem To Make captures the complex emotions of navigating sex, relationships, and confidence in your mid-20s. It delves into the challenges and uncertainties unique to this stage of life, offering a refreshing perspective on how younger individuals perceive and experience various aspects of this period. From sex, addiction, loneliness, jealousy, and ill-fated relationships - Crawlers cover it all.
This album feels like the ideal soundtrack for a heart-breaking indie film. Picture a young woman navigating her journey of self-discovery amid a tumult of mistakes, regrets, and newfound self-awareness. It captures the raw essence of the overwhelming experience of being in your mid-20s and the varied responses it evokes in people.
In the initial tracks, ‘Meaningless Sex’ and ‘Kiss Me,’ vulnerability takes centre stage. While ‘Meaningless Sex’ explores the band's perspective on intimacy's vulnerability, ‘Kiss Me’ sheds light on vulnerability in the non-intimate aspects of a romantic relationship—the feeling of being exposed even with clothes on: “I’m more vulnerable to my surprise / With clothes on, our hands entwined”. Both tracks offer distinct insights into relationship vulnerability from different angles.
The third track, which happens to be a personal favourite, delves into a narrative of addiction and denial. This is an especially important theme, especially for those in their mid-20s. With the drinking and party culture, particularly in the UK, many individuals don’t recognise their dependency on alcohol or drugs—a concept that Crawlers dissect in this song. I think their awareness of what's going on in the current world of their listeners is incredible. They allow the listener to feel like they can personally relate to them as people and not just musicians.
Successfully keeping the attention of their target audience who is immersed in TikTok and short-form videos is hard, but Crawlers hit the nail on the head with the more melancholic tracks like 'Golden Bridge'. This track, vocalist Holly Minto, confesses was written at the worst time of her life. The band is celebrated for their unwavering commitment to expressing themselves authentically, regardless of how raw, sombre, or gritty the message may be. This track exemplifies their dedication to conveying their truth through music.
The album concludes with 'Nighttime Affair,' delving into yet another contemporary theme that resonates with many of their listeners. This track explores the emotional complexities of being used for sex and the feelings associated with being 'the other woman,' so to speak. Yet, it offers a perspective of acknowledging that you're not the primary focus in their life, yet choosing to accept it anyway because being seen, even in a limited capacity, is preferable to not being there at all.
In summary, the Crawlers album is undeniably amazing. Their ability to truly resonate with their audience demonstrates their genuine commitment to their craft and their desire to be understood not just as musicians, but as people. With such dedication and incredible music, they will go very far in the scene.
Emily Fletcher
★★★★★