We’ve been waiting for self-declared “shredgaze” maniacs Crispin Wah to follow up their two-part Mineral Mountain debut for well over a year, and now that the Atlanta five-piece have asked us to share the upcoming LP’s bonkers first single and video, let’s just say that we’re eagerly anticipating the full release. Partially written and recorded over a frantic seven-day session in a remote cabin in the North Georgia mountains, Lemon Pepper won’t be out until sometime later this year, but if “SPLAT” is any indication of what we can expect from the sophomore effort, prepare your ears for another heavy dose of modulated guitar loops and mind-bending improvisations that have been spliced, altered, and rearranged into entirely new rhythms and sounds.
However, if the new track does show us something about the progress of Crispin Wah it’s the ability of the band to take those primary elements and arrange them into passages that are more concise and melodic than their previous work. Counter to what its name would suggest, “SPLAT” does not smash or stomp along; instead, it slithers along a series of tightly coiled grooves that finds the happy ground between hip-hop’s head-nodding euphoria and Battles’ contorted prog rock explorations. It’s a balance that feels joyful and accessible, forgoing math rock intricacy in favor of big beat thrills and clever experimentation.
Not to be outdone, the video that accompanies the single is wild carnival ride that plays out like some demented fever dream. Shot and directed by Gage McRae and Justin Dunnigan, a production duo known collectively as THEM, the visuals offer a mix of campy horror and surreal fantasy that somehow involves toxic chicken wings, a mad scientist, shrouded figures lurking in the woods, and so much more. It’s a clip that’s far better watched than explained, so strap in and allow yourself to succumb to the madness.
“SPLAT” is available now via iTunes and Apple Music.
More Info
Bandcamp: crispinwah.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @Crispinwahmusic
Instagram: @crispinwahmusic
Twitter: @CrispinWah_ATL