Music

CRUX’s “Empty Home” a Melancholic Reflection on Lost Time and Isolation

In a music world where superficiality often overshadows depth, CRUX emerges as a refreshing beacon of substance, socially conscious force, and introspection with their latest creation, “Empty Home.” This United Kingdom-based band from Newcastle upon Tyne expertly blends elements of prog-rock and grunge, crafting a unique sonic sound that transcends boundaries and captivates from the first note.

CRUX’s musical prowess has not gone unnoticed, with their virtuosic talent leaving critics and fans alike in awe. Their commitment to addressing real-life global and local issues in their songs adds depth often missing in today’s music industry. This band isn’t just about captivating riffs; they’re about delivering a message that resonates with the heart.

“Empty Home” is a poignant reminder of music’s power to provoke thought and spark conversation. Written during the lockdown period, the lyrics reflect the isolation experienced by so many during that challenging time. They lament the inexorable passage of time and the emptiness it leaves in its wake, a theme underscored by the metaphor of a deteriorating home. Lines like ‘the pipes are beginning to burst,’ ‘the water pools and there’s mold growing on the walls,’ and ‘time has stopped as the structure slowly sinks’ create vivid and haunting imagery.

The song’s lyrical depth is perfectly accompanied by hauntingly melancholic guitar melodies and soft, rhythmic undertones that build up steadily, mirroring the gradual erosion of the ‘home’ in the narrative while drawing the listener deeper into its emotional depths. Recorded at Blank Studios and produced by Sam Grant from Pigs x7, “Empty Home” is a testament to CRUX’s commitment to artistic excellence with top-notch production quality.

CRUX have become local icons in Newcastle, headlining prominent venues and gracing festivals like Scoop Festival and Canny Fringe Festival. Their authenticity has garnered recognition, including being selected as one of the ‘2022 Favourites’ by Send Me Your Ears and receiving airplay on BBC Radio 6 and BBC Newcastle.

CRUX’s “Empty Home” is a musical journey that challenges us to confront the passage of time and the inevitability of change. It’s a haunting anthem that resonates on a personal and universal level, reminding us that even in the emptiness left behind by time, there is beauty to be found. With CRUX, you can always expect the unexpected, and “Empty Home” is no exception; it is a testament to their ability to craft moving and thought-provoking music. As the world searches for meaning in a chaotic age, CRUX offers a compelling soundtrack for introspection.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM CRUX’s “Empty Home“ on Spotify.

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Artist Spotlight

Sadie Brown delivers a heartfelt illusion of a fake life with her new single “Counterfeit”

At the heart of “Counterfeit” is a tale of love manipulated for selfish purposes, yet still feels captivating. Sadie Brown’s new single “Counterfeit” invites listeners into the deceptive lull of beautiful and bleak love, one that promises everything while lacking genuine vulnerability, ultimately delivering only heartbreak. Brown adeptly illustrates the anguish of being entangled in a romantic relationship that never fully reveals itself, leaving listeners caught between longing and the painful acknowledgment of reality. Through ethereal pop sensibilities and a bittersweet melody, Brown explores the complexity of a “counterfeit love life” alluring yet reserved, a love that’s perpetually poised to “cut its losses.” The outcome is a sonic experience that feels as vast and unreachable as a memory of love gone awry.

“Counterfeit” doesn’t just touch on the hurt that comes from unrequited love; it captures the quiet resignation accompanying it. With “Counterfeit,” Sadie Brown steps into a new creative direction in her music, mixing introspective storytelling with emotional resonance.

Written during the lockdown and produced by Cashybear (Tim Ross, formerly of Cash+David), “Counterfeit” builds a hazy, indie-pop atmosphere that feels grounded and otherworldly. The collaboration with guitarist Jimmy Sims (known for his work with George Ezra) lends a retro warmth, creating swirling riffs that complement Sadie’s soft yet piercing vocal delivery. This subtle instrumentation mirrors the song’s themes: a relationship built on false pretenses, with its sweetness fading away like mist.

Brown draws inspiration from artists like Camera Obscura, Kate Bush, and Lana Del Rey, bringing a charming and restrained sense of vulnerability. Like Joni Mitchell, Brown leans into the contradictions of love, evoking nostalgia but never retreating from the reality of unfulfilled desire. “Counterfeit” is a thought-provoking piece that establishes Sadie Brown as a voice that can authentically convey both the charm and the ache of illusion.

Indie

“Is Everything Okay?” by Tom Minor drops an anthemic vibe wrapped in a gold question

The newest single by Tom Minor, entitled “Is Everything Okay?” presents a compelling fusion of introspective lyrics and vibrant soundscapes, establishing a unique intersection where self-reflection meets the assertiveness of indie rock. The song commences with an almost casual inquiry, “If you are unhappy and you do not know it, what value does it possess?” This opening lyric serves as both a reflective mirror and a cautionary prompt; it suggests that well-meaning inquiries from others may compel listeners to confront uncomfortable truths they might prefer to overlook while seeking clarity within their complex emotions.

What renders “Is Everything Okay?” particularly noteworthy is Minor’s effective amalgamation of contemplative lyricism with a multifaceted, genre-defying composition. While indie rock sound with splashes of new wave and power pop have a discernible influence, the track ventures into unexpected realms of psychedelic music. Under the meticulous production of Teaboy Palmer, the song radiates the vitality of garage rock, simultaneously incorporating subtle elements of soul and R&B. The arrangement, characterized by vibrant guitar riffs and a fluid rhythmic structure, conveys the emotional depth of the message without appearing overly burdensome. Minor skillfully employs melody to construct an engaging groove that embodies optimism and challenge.