36 Crazyfists Album Review
36 Crazyfists – Collisions and Castaways
Words by Chris Moore
The sixth album from 36 Crazyfists, Collisions and Castaways, is a heavier affair than previous releases though there are still some melodic moments to please all sections of the Alaskan quartet’s fan base.
Opening track In the Midnights builds with a slow acoustic introduction before bursting into life around the ninety second mark displaying the bands intentions for the majority of the album at an early stage. As those familiar with 36 Crazyfists will expect there are still the familiar sing along choruses featured on this album which work well coupled with the frenetic verses.
In the Midnights flows straight into the equally as heavy Whitewater before the album takes a more melodic turn on third track Mercy and Grace. Whilst the melodic moments on the album are more often than not a welcome feature, the tired sounding chorus on Anchors, a song which features vocals from Adam Jackson of Twelve Tribes, does nothing for the song or indeed the album other than to unnecessarily slow it down.
It isn’t until track seven, Trenches, that the band return to the fast paced song structures that was such a strong feature of the first half of the album. Following this is the first single from the album Reviver, which is itself followed by another potential single in the shape of Caving in Spirals, though the vocals in the verses do sound rather like a poor imitation of Mike Patton of Faith No More fame.
When looking at Collisions and Castaways as a whole it does come across as a mixed bag of songs with tracks like The Deserter sounding like an effort from a completely different band. Overall the majority of tracks are strong enough to stand alone by themselves and whilst the album might not flow throughout, it is still a worthwhile investment.
7/10
