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| Crosbi - All In | ||||||||||||||||
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| Released: 24th July 2006 | ||||||||||||||||
| Split Records | ||||||||||||||||
| CDLPSPLIT002 | ||||||||||||||||
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| By wrexhammusic.co.uk | |
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So Crosbi are about to release their long awaited debut album ‘All In’. The album (and title) was finished before their recent line-up changes.
We’ve been keeping our copy of the album under lock and key for some time now (numerous promotional copies have been sold on Ebay to people who just couldn’t wait for the official release date). |
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Crosbi - live - have been one of the most exciting bands you are likely to see on a stage – anywhere. Where others merely ‘fake’ a flamboyant stage presence Andy (vocals, guitar) oozes rock n roll. The rest of the band who recorded the album (Steve, Jamie, Ben and Simon) also seemed 100 percent committed to making the crowd have a good time at their gigs. That’s enough about the ‘live Crosbi experience’ for now – this is (after all) about the album! |
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From the opening discordant intro to ‘Coastline’ (a previous single) you know what is in store – its just like the live Crosbi show only slightly more polished with studio ‘gloss’. “I’m going away, I’m leaving today, I say I’m going away and I’m leaving today” – perhaps not the most profound opening lyrics to an album ever, but Crosbi are about the full package. Crosbi wear their influences on their sleeves but look forward rather than back. Their songs grab your attention and don’t let go. |
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If you’ve been to any of Crosbi’s gigs (and possibly if you haven’t) Coastline will have you dancing round your bedroom or watching your car’s speedo creeping up – quality!
A really strong start to the album is continued with another previous single ‘Sonny’. If you live in Wrexham you must have heard this song a thousand times – and it doesn’t fade with time. This track should have launched Crosbi into the ‘big league’ to show the fakers how it is done. |
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Next comes current single ‘Helayou’. The simple lyrical structure of the song and (almost) yodelling chorus slowly builds to a crescendo at 2 minutes 30: “I’m sick of getting up on bloody Mondays, in this dirty old town, its bringin’ me down”. There is no doubting the strength of Crosbi’s singles.
The fourth track ‘Listen’ continues the sing-song lyrics. They are truly infectious. It’s a proper stomper of a song. I realise by this point that I’m probably preaching to the converted! ‘She Got Soul’ sounds a bit like BRMC and other shoe-gaze bands, but manages to sound fresh. The guitars make this song. ‘Someway’ sees a piano taking a leading role (how will they pull it off live?). The song isn’t as instant as the singles but will still have you tapping your toes. Next comes another standout track (and live favourite) by the name of ‘Go And Show Me’. This song gets inside your head and anchors itself. “One day you will see no-one is fighting ‘coz they want to be” – a great pop song. |
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‘Don’t Like You’ sounds slightly similar to The Who. “simmer down” sings Andy (who’s vocals show no sign of that).
‘Anytime’ sees a change of pace and serves as an interesting sidetrack to the album’s stompers. It sounds like The Velvet Underground or Spiritualized with plenty of melody. It is a slow burner of a track that could easily be overlooked on first listen. Definitely one of the best tracks on ‘All In’. ‘Hope You Remember’ sees Crosbi back at full speed. Andy is at his most vocally raw: “I don’t need you now, I’ll stand on my own.” – you believe him. ‘Glassman’ is an acoustic diversion. Loads of people love this song, its certainly catchy enough - just perhaps slightly misplaced on this album. It would be a great B-side. ‘On The Run’ sees Andy Sneering like it is 1977 and he wants to spit in your face (although you know he wouldn’t!). This is another great upbeat track – Crosbi at their best. And so after 37 minutes and 8 seconds ‘All In’ comes to an end. To be honest how many bands manage to pull off the excitement and energy of a live gig on their album? Not many. Crosbi have had a good go at capturing the spirit of their live performances. Lets hope the Crosbi boys finally get the recognition that many feel they deserve. If this album doesn’t chart then there is something seriously wrong! Go out and buy a copy of ‘All In’ and help Crosbi secure Wrexham’s place on the musical map. You won’t regret it. |
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| wrexhammusic.co.uk | |
| > Your views?..... discuss the album | |
