© CPU – Cédric Depraetere
While The Price dives are flying in Japan for a few more days with Equal Ediots, CRACKUPS are back rooting around in the Kempen plains. Without realizing it, CRACKUPS played an influential role from the start that would give a huge boost to their local punk scene. When XINK folded in 2009, Thomas Valkiers (voice, guitar) and Niels Meukens (drums) took Toon Van Looy (guitar) and Siebe Le Duc (bass) under their wings. Thanks to Thibault Christiaensen, both groups remain active many years later, with the old guard of Kempen punks continuing to inspire the new generation and vice versa. Brave enough released CRACKUPS Greetings from Earth in the midst of corona, but the album did not receive the full attention it deserved. However, yesterday we were surprised by the news that the third album Plexiglas is coming and that a tour is planned.
When it comes to the single “Sgt. Haze”, these shows promise not to be a mess. Crackups shakes through our entire body in less than two minutes. The greasy garage punk has now made way for militant proto-punk à la The Cramps. The sense of melody and sharp lyrics is perfect. It is clear to hear that Thomas Valkiers has welcomed almost the entire Belgian guitar scene of recent years into his studio for this single. CRACKUPS doesn’t try to be rickety and sounds tight and clean. This makes the noisy sounds anything but boring and it is sometimes difficult to determine whether they come from a guitar or a synthesizer. These mysterious elements are unusual for a punk band, which only adds to CRACKUPS’ potential. In 2024, it will no longer be a taboo for commerce and underground to go together, as the return of XINK demonstrates. The year 2004 is over; Friendship bonds may also show cracks.
Plexiglas will be released on November 29 and will be celebrated in Trix Club. The people of Kempen have also been confirmed for Rotterdam for a while Left of the Dialwhich takes place from October 17 to 19.
Listen to the singles of the week on our Spotify.
2024-04-11 04:49:50
#single #CRACKUPS #Sgt #Haze
