Review: Crashing Wayward ‘Listen!’
By Mike O’Cull
Modern rock outfit Crashing Wayward make an impressive showing on the group’s debut album Listen!
The set comes out June 9th, 2023 via RFK Media and shows a lot more creative wisdom and style development than one would expect from a first record. It was produced by Mike Gillies (Metallica, Mötley Crüe, The Cult), who did a fine job of capturing the physical grind and intellectual wordplay that characterize the Crashing Wayward sound. The band uses its alternative rock base to explore new textures, melodies, and the individual influences of each member. The result of this recipe is 11 tracks of fresh, tough-toned rock music full of top-flight vocals, guitar ideas, and an intense desire to not sound like any other band.
The Las Vegas-based Crashing Wayward is a visionary bunch with the ability to make music that’s inspiring and accessible to any listener while remaining artistic and true to itself. The lineup of vocalist Peter Summit, guitarists Stacey David Blades and David Harris, bassist Carl Raether, and drummer Shon McKee forms a deeply interconnected group that thrives on the differences among the musicians and allows them to run free.
“There are four strong songwriters with all different types of influences, so this creates a unique sound,” says Blades. “From a guitar standpoint, David Harris plays a lot in open tunings which gives the riffs a very different vibe along with my mainly Drop D tuning. When you put the guitar parts together, they are very different. Added to that is Carl Raether’s powerful bass lines plus Shon McKee’s fantastic drumming—and with Pete’s distinctive vocals and melody lines, you get Crashing Wayward.”
They’ve been together since the Spring of 2020 and, like so many other musicians, drew creative fuel from the Covid pandemic and its isolation. In that stillness, Crashing Wayward wrote songs about hope, inclusion, and catharsis that will hit listeners in the heart and the mind at once.
Upon launching the opening song “Mouth To God’s Ear,” the first thing you notice is the remarkable voice of lead singer Peter Summit. His tone is rich and solid, his range is wide, and his style is dramatic and expressive. He goes smoothly from a low, dynamic whisper to soaring high notes and intuitively communicates the meaning of his lyrics, not just their phonetic sound. Park his pipes on top of the crunching groove the band puts down and you get yourself a true rock and roll experience.
“Closer” combines an atmospheric Univibe-drenched guitar hook with another big-league rock pocket and Summit’s urgent vocal lines. The levels of song and guitar craft are high with this lot and they use every note, tone, and word quite intentionally. The guitar sounds are distinct, well-conceived, and mixed so they remain crisp and listenable. It’s rare to find a band that’s as inventive as they are energetic but here we are in a muscled-up, cheese-free zone.
Watch “Closer”
Speaking of guitars, “Tilly” is a study in layering the right number of distinctive tracks with enough atmospheric space to put an instinctive yearning in your heart. The guitars perfectly align with Summit’s melancholy vocals about a departed love and will take your soul with them. Crashing Wayward can absolutely rock but they also deal in more serious emotions well and will get you on their side.
“Breathe” is an anthemic, detailed tune with a superb drum performance from Shon McKee. He adds much nuance to the group’s rock sound and knows how to keep each section of song connected and interesting. The closer you listen, the more you’ll hear.
Other highlights on Listen! Include “Disco Kills” and the closing track “Velvets Drawn.” Crashing Wayward has the dual gifts of outstanding creative instincts and full control of the power of rock and roll. They’re one of the most vital and alive new bands you’ll check out in 2023 or any other year. Crank them up and feel the heat for yourself.
Crashing Wayward website
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