CRASHFACE – HEAVY INFECTIOUS

By Aaron Jackson

Kicking off in early 2020, London-based duo CRASHFACE were born in hard times, to say the least. Their debut EP ‘HEAVY INFECTIOUS’ is a reflection on the trials and tribulations the past year presented, with bassist Otto Balfour describing it as “the journal we used to frantically gnaw away at the frustrations, the woes, the highs and the lows of the past twelve months”. Driven by frustration, it’s blatant just how vehemently determined CRASHFACE are to make this first impression count – and the result is nothing short of outstanding.

Opening with ‘ultraplasticplanetkiller’, the band waste no time in making themselves heard. The band have labelled ‘HEAVY INFECTIOUS’ as “a statement” and it’s immediately clear why. Rattling through the song at a breakneck speed, it’s a wonder that front man Charlie Hinton finds time to draw breath. It’s the shortest track on the EP, and amongst the loudest; a delightful racket that’s just impossible to ignore.

The EP then embarks on a run of three previously released singles – ‘Molotov Smile’ is the highlight of the three and will worm its way into the ears (and onto the playlists) of anyone that hears it. Next, the breakdown of ‘Loading Screen Infinity’ displays CRASHFACE at their heaviest, with a riff to die for that’s bookended by yet another stellar chorus. The riff quality continues from the off with ‘COLD’, which also boasts the most memorable chorus on the EP. These singles have presented a host of superlatives that highlight how the band have approached their debut release with a well thought out and effective strategy.

‘Molotov Smile’ and ‘COLD’ are accompanied by impressive music videos that also belie just how early we are in the CRASHFACE story; it’s apparent in both videos that Hinton and Balfour possess the stylish punky pomp that the likes of YUNGBLUD are bleeding into the mainstream. With the raw talent to back their attitude, there’s no reason this band can’t follow in those footsteps and cause a real scene amongst wider audiences.

‘HEAVY INFECTIOUS’ bows out with ‘You’re The Worst Thing That’s Ever Happened To Me, Ever’ and, true to form, it’s another sonic riot. CRASHFACE have drawn comparisons with My Chemical Romance and it’s in this track that the likeness becomes most apparent. Gliding between the relentless and the melancholic with apparent ease, here the band demonstrate maturity in their songwriting without compromising the bitter spite that fuels their craft.

In all, CRASHFACE’s flirting with saccharine vocal melodies effectively juxtaposes their otherwise venomous approach to ensure there is something here for all heavy music fans. ‘HEAVY INFECTIOUS’ is the perfect introduction to a tour-de-force in the making; it’s fast, chaotic and never lets up, not even for a second. It’s for these reasons this EP deserves to be played on repeat and, more importantly, outrageously loudly.

AARON JACKSON

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