CRUUSH

Manchester’s alt-rock outliers cruush are survivors of an identity crisis. Emerging from shoegaze’s reverb-drenched fog, they’ve hacked away into the cliff face of their myriad influences to arrive at something rawer, sharper, and infinitely more personal. A “dirty collage” as the band themselves put it. A sound that thrives on contradiction, brims with contorted attack, sour rage, and distorted sass. The band comprise Amber Warren (lead vocals/guitar), Arthur Boyd (guitar), Fotis Kalantzis (drums), and Bruno Evans (bass). Their new approach is leaner, more direct, and sincere. They’ve taken their influences to the gym and shaken off the layers of fuzz, delay and reverb, pulling everything closer to the bone. Broadcasters and journalists alike are enchanted, with Jack Saunders (BBC Radio 1), Steve Lamacq (BBC 6), Emily Pilbeam (BBC 6), John Kennedy (Radio X), The Independent, NYLON, NME, Brooklyn Vegan, DORK, DIY, So Young, The Line of Best Fit, Clash, Rough Trade and Consequences of Sound lining up to call themselves fans. Likewise, their peers are equally captivated, earning the outfit tours and shows with BDRMM, Pale Blue Eyes, NewDad, GIFT, BASHT and Girl Scout.