The Cranks - Downside Up
2011, The Cranks
The Cranks dish out theirdistinctive blend of prep-school, post-punk pop on their second CD, DownsideUp. Released in May of this year, Downside Up once again highlightsthe distinctive voice of Haley Gowland. Backed by her twin brother ConnorGowland in drums and Greg Preston on bass, Gowland turns listeners everywhich way loose on Downside Up. The Cranks show growth from their debutEP, What? both as performers and in the songwriting department. Gowland'slyrics are fresh and relevant, but are losing some of that youthful feel as TheCranks traverse adolescence and enter the complicated waters of youngadulthood.
Opening with "VoiceInside", The Cranks offer up a catchy number with punk energy and real popsensibility. Haley Gowland is thoroughly engaging on "Mexico", andthe rest of the Cranks raise their game in an angular style that highlights thetopsy-turvy sound that pervades here. "Under Radar" is a well-writtenmusical allegory for not being seen socially. The song is catchy as anything,and could be a breakout song for the band. "Under Radar" is the sortof song a smart music director might pick for the soundtrack of a teen comedyfull of angst. "Good Guys" shows a bit of the younger feel of TheCranks' earlier work, but is well-written nonetheless; a solid album track.
"Super Secret" seems alikely allegory, perhaps for something personal, but also seems applicable to aworld where so many things happen around us that we never see. Either way, thesong shows a real insight into the intricacies of a world where everything isnegotiated and little is ever set in stone. The highlight of Downside Upis a rough little jewel entitled "Scatterbox". Punk energy and soundmeet pure pop gold in a bit of musical magic that speaks very well for thefuture of The Cranks. "Here I Go" keeps much of that energy and vervegoing in another song with real pop potential. The Cranks closes things up withthe pure joy of "Pirate". If you've ever heard a song that justscreamed that the band was having fun recording, then this is it.
The Cranks continue to build theirsound and style, and on Downside Up have become a cohesive and maturetrio, rattling off catchy and intelligent punk-influenced pop songs likeafterthoughts. While the Cranks are a cohesive whole, their shining light isHaley Gowland, who is maturing into a convincing front-woman before your veryears. The Cranks have a real future. Downside Up is the proof.
Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)
Learn more about The Cranks at www.thecranks.com on Facebook. DownsideUp is available for download from Amazon.comand iTunes.