Crux – Slaving Away (2020)
With various influences from Arctic Monkeys to Dire Straits and Nirvana, Crux is bound to have a very unique, genre-bending sound. Despite having only two singles to their name, Crux has received critical acclaim from RGM, Turn Up The Volume, Giggoer and It’s Indie. Not only are they weaving their way through the internet, but the lads have also performed at Scoop Festival, Canny Fringe Festival and Newcastle O2 Academy. Quickly gaining a loyal following and building a reputation for engaging material, Max Houghton (vocals, rhythm guitar and keyboards), Jake Waldock (lead guitar), Hallam Press (bass) and Joe Reid (drums) are set for international stardom. The latest addition to their repertoire is ‘Slaving Away’.
Recorded at RAK Studios with Stereophonics producer Jim Lowe, ‘Slaving Away’ is a combination of indie-rock, progressive rock with some punk-esque vocals. Think Kasabian mixed with Arctic Monkeys and Radiohead and you’ll have some idea of what we’re talking about.
Looking at the issue of “slaving away” like a cog in the capitalist machine, Crux shouts out about the negative consequences of contemporary society and the “daily grind”. Work is essential to global functioning, but you should not remain naive about the effects it has on the population. This is the message that Crux so eloquently approach in the brash, bold and insightful single ‘Slaving Away’.
“‘Slaving Away’ is a punchy 12-bar blues song which critiques our obsession with spending the majority of our lives slaving away just to make our bosses richer and make ends meet, especially now when wages are stagnating and prices are rising…There’s so much life to live, friends to see, family to spend time with, places to travel, but the reality is our lives revolve around our work and we can’t enjoy these things…” – Crux on ‘Slaving Away’
Combining Waldock’s expert finger-picking style with the steady pace of Press’ guitar and Reid’s drums, Crux creates a sonically sensational single. While the melody is moving in its own way, it is Houghton’s brash indie-rock vocals that enhance the poignancy of the witty and critical lyricism. Brusque with raw honesty, ‘Slaving Away’ is a powerful punch in the face waking one up to a distressing reality….but in the best way possible.
For more from Crux check out their official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
