Crone – Three Part Pariah

By paul

There are some unsigned bands that take everything a little too seriously. Then there are bands that remember rocking out is supposed to be fun. We’re not talking the “we’re so shit it’s funny” type of fun either, just the mentality that being in a band should be exciting and enjoyable. On this eight track mini-album, Norwich punkers Crone definitely fit this latter school of thought.

Opener “Cross Shaped Headboard” is a jaunty slab of pop-punk followed by “Holding On”, a track that’s reminiscent of mid-90’s skater-punk. Lots of fast guitars, bouncy vocals and an ever so jovial temperament. There’s more than a slight peppering of fellow tractor boys Vanilla Pod here.

Sitting oh so conspicuously alongside this is a massive nod to Green Day. Not today’s rock-opera megastars but ‘Insomnia’ era Green Day. “Make Us or Break Us” and “Punkrock Squirt” both pretty much pay homage to the Berkley stalwarts, and actually sound pretty good for it. Throw in “Knock ’em Down”, a Strung Out-esque wedge of EpiFat punk-rock, and you’ve got a record that’s about as fashionable as [insert funny analogy here]. To be honest, when a band sings about pushing 30 and mix-tapes (not playlists, mp3s or CDs, tapes!), there’s a chance they’re a little older than your typical fashioncore demographic. Old enough to be appreciative, perhaps?

Basically, ‘Three Part Pariah’ sounds as though it should have dropped a decade ago. It’s the type of lively pop-punk that used to have the floor of your local youth club bouncing, literally. A sweaty pit of smiles would watch this type of band ply its trade. Today it doesn’t break the walls down but is good for a little bit of nostalgia and waves the flag for bands just wanting to have fun. Fast, poppy and hooked like an angler’s barb, you can’t help but smile and toe-tap along.

Alex

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