Roland Recommends #1


ARTIST                 
Crazy Arm 
         

CRAZY ARM

FROM                  
Plymouth, Devon

FORMED
2006

LINE-UP                              
Jon Dailey – Guitar & Bass
Darren Johns – Vocals & Guitar
Simon Marsh – Drums
Tim Rowing-Parker – Bass & Vocals
Vicky Butterfield – Vocals
Patrick James Pearson – Keys & Fiddle

WHY SHOULD I CARE?
Because they care. Alot. There is no doubting the fact that these Westcountry roots-rockers are politicized but rather than blindly raging against the machine like so many also-rans, Crazy Arm write insightful, informed and influential songs that could rouse even the most dormant mind. Songs such as ‘Song of Choice’ and ‘Tribes’ are unashamedly and squarely directed at highlighting the most troubling elements of society (i.e. the BNP, English Defence League, corrupt organisations and individuals as well as, most importantly, those who turn a blind eye to the former). The most outstanding thing about Crazy Arm, though, is that even if you took away the excellent lyrical content and replaced it with a series of grunts and whistles, the tunes would still grab you by the scruff of your neck and slap you around the face. In fact, they may only be two albums in to their career (2009s Born To Ruin and the excellent follow up Union City Breath, both on XL Recordings) but Crazy Arm have already amassed a bucket full of songs that could be future classics. Stylistically they range from rhythmic roots-folk that wouldn’t be out of place in a smokey country pub on a cold winter’s night to furious and hectic punk-rock belters that would tempt you in to sweaty tent at Reading Festival and spit you out again feeling delirious but alive. This is music for thinkers for sure but more importantly this is music for doers. Everything about this band is urgent and to the point like they have a message for the world and they need to get that message across now. I suggest you listen. And listen good.

FIRST PORT OF CALL
Either of the bands albums will be a great addition to your collection but if you’re looking for specific tracks then I recommend ‘Charnel House Blues’ from the Union City Breath album for the more folky end of the band’s spectrum. For the harder, heavier end of things then you can go wrong with latest album opener ‘Of The Tarantulas’, the driving bass, intricate guitar work pounding drums will have you hooked by the time the vocals come in.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Crazy Arm were one of many bands on independent labels to have their physical album releases destroyed in last summer’s riots but you can now get your hands on the Union City Breath CD which, refreshingly, comes with full lyrics and brief background information on the songs. However, the best way to experience this Devonian sextet is to see and hear them in the live arena and, as luck would have it, they are about to embark on a short tour. So, get yourselves to any of the following;

19.04.12 – The Unit, Southampton
20.04.12 – Harry’s Bar, Stoke
21.04.12 – The Cockpit 3, Leeds
22.04.12 – Hit The Deck @ The Forum, Nottingham
23.04.12 – Single Launch @ The Old Blue Last, London (Free show)

LINKS

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