The Crunch

It is time to make a stand, for Sulo has got a brand-new band! And so he does, although power-pop rockers The Crunch are not that brand-new anymore. Having made one hell of an impact since their first release, the new album is yet another sonic force brimming with captivating tracks of which there are twelve in total.

With their winning recipe comprised of dead-catchy melodies, poignant and witty wordsmithery, and an unmistakable mix of energetic hooks ‘n’ beats, the band should not be surprised to find themselves ever more in demand what with an increasing level of shows, airplay and media coverage. The band… well those in the know are aware that The Crunch consists of individuals old enough to have accumulated all the skills and expertise that makes them so outstanding, yet are still young enough (metaphorically speaking) to play many a contemporary outfit against the wall.

Opening track ‘Lonely Beat Of The Heart’ is somewhat self-explanatory, with a fast-beat intro courtesy of drummer Terry Chimes (ex-Clash) and quickly descends into a typical Crunch number bursting with a hearty and spirited tune that provides this song about… eh, heartbreak and loneliness with an uplift.
‘Limited Edition’ is as refreshing as soda pop on a hot day, with a glistening guitar solo coughed-up mid-way. Single release ‘Neon Madonna’ has recently been reviewed by yours truly, but ok, I’ll say it again: it is one beast of a catchy number that brings out the best of each and every member. Hold on… so do all the other songs. Well, you get my drift. Just check it out and get infected with ‘Neon Madonna’ fever and its killer chorus!

Sulo and now steady member, keyboardist Idde Schultz, throw a fine duet on ‘Banner Of Faith’ and it sounds as if the two have found their banner of faith in the shape of glistening song-writing. The chemistry sizzles and you can hear it with every word sung and every note played. I particularly like the little nod to Lou Reed’s ‘Walk On The Wild Side’ hummed by Idde.
Title track ‘Brand New Brand’ is a fabulous sing-along and shake-your-leg surf-pop number followed by the more sedate ’25 Hours a Day’ with its beautiful opening line “From the moment I met you I knew I never regret you, I just wanted more…” You can take these lyrics one way or another, but when Sulo confesses “you’re the answer to my prayer every night every day you lead me on” we know this is his very personal ode to rock ‘n’ roll.

Idde takes over on lead vocals when she encourages us to better get ready, get ‘Solid Rock Steady’ – the number blows like a fresh breeze and while she also stays loyal to her keyboard, the other band-members including guitarist Mick Geggus and bassist Dave Tregunna make for damn fine support.
Some nice solo instrumentals are on ‘Seeing Is Believing’ while ‘Barricade Blues’ is a wonderfully crafted rock ballad, complete with Spanish-style guitar interlude, that emphasizes Sulo’s powerful vocals to maximum effect.

After Sulo and Co. assures us that he’ll return to form and get it right while the energetic ‘Return To Form’ blasts through we believe him every word, in fact, he and band already got it right as far as I’m concerned.

My personal favourite track, apart from the aforementioned ‘Neon Madonna’ is ‘Save The Glow’ – another fine example of fantastic lyricism and skilfully executed hooks, riffs and harmonious backing vocals. “Been crawling in the quicksand on my way to Neverland and so many things I couldn’t find / I’ve been barking at the full moon tomorrow came but much to soon and I’m not read to leave it all behind…” already tell a story-and-a-half. Things come full circle through Sulo’s advice, “Do what you wanna do, say what you wanna say, go where you wanna go, but you gotta save the glow” which feels like something out of the anarchic movie ‘Harold & Maude’. Musically, there is a steady build-up here with Mick delivering a snarling guitar solo.

Closing track ‘Go Back To Go’ could be a new anthem for those who never lost their spunk and punkitude in life, ready to kick ass and tell the Royals and others in power where they can go. Brilliant! The whole shebang is bursting with kick-ass attitude and let’s face it, it’ precisely what’s is needed these days where so many things are about capitalism and materialism!