CRAZYHEARSE
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CRAZYHEARSE

Middlebury, Vermont, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2003 | SELF

Middlebury, Vermont, United States | SELF
Established on Jan, 2003
Band Rock Americana

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"Crazyhearse, Tornadic Beige"

Every now and then, even the savviest local music fans run into a band they probably should have caught years ago and, when they finally do, can't believe they've missed for so long. For this reviewer, such is the case with Middlebury's Crazyhearse. Over the years I've noticed the name around — it is a pretty cool band name, after all — but for whatever reason, our paths never crossed. That is, until they released their latest record, Tornadic Beige. The band's fifth album is a cleverly conceived and expertly executed work that meshes an array of sounds and influences, from swamp rock to punk to psychedelic country and beyond. And it makes me wonder how the hell I've overlooked Crazyhearse for this long.

Album opener "Demon Moon" is built around a Middle Eastern-style riff that winks at Dick Dale's version of "Misirlou" but then romps toward unhinged, gypsy-punk high jinks. It's difficult to pinpoint any specific influences on any of the songs on Tornadic Beige, which is a credit to the band's technical ability and compositional ingenuity. But "Demon Moon" somehow evokes both the ethereal rock of Blue Öyster Cult and the ragged, gleeful aplomb of Gogol Bordello, without sounding derivative of either. Neat trick.

"Moral Panic" begins as a lilting acoustic number that pays homage to the antiwar folk of the 1960s and songwriters such as Phil Ochs — and probably that Dylan dude, too. But it quickly builds into something else entirely as a shimmering wave of psychedelic sounds flits in and out of the speakers. It culminates in a minor progression that shades songwriter David Kloepfer's searching lyrics in a sinister gloom.

Following that cut, Crazyhearse get rowdy on "A Bottle of Whiskey Later," a rollicking gypsy-punk number that GB's Eugene Hütz himself would have been psyched to pen.

Crazyhearse showcase uncommon versatility with "$19.95," a song whose numerous shifting movements nod at both Primus and Strangefolk, which shouldn't work yet somehow does.

"All OK Now" is a pretty country-rock ballad that seems to take cuesfrom the Byrds, but washes Kloepfer's Chris Hillman-style melody in ghostly atmospherics. It's blissful and sweet, but the contentment is short-lived. "Oklahoma Road Rage" shatters the serenity with blistering punk, bringing Tornadic Beige to a bruising, thrilling conclusion.

Crazyhearse play the Monkey House this Saturday, July 26, before touring the Midwest. Tornadic Beige is available at iTunes and Amazon. - Seven Days


"Big Heavy World"

Raucous folkabilly punk with a penchant for horrorshow lyrics. Although they’ve labeled themselves ‘swamp-rock,’ one is tempted to call them ‘East-Coast Psychobilly.’ Different and wild, pick this one up and hold on for dear life. - Big Heavy World


"99.9 THE BUZZ REVIEW"

I introduce myself as Matt Gadouas, DJ of the Homebrew show on 99.9fm the Buzz in Burlington, VT, Plattsburgh, NY, and Montreal, QC areas. I've been working on the Homebrew show for the past 3 and a half years and I've had the privilege of reviewing hundreds of bands for my show. The Homebrew show gives voice to local bands of all calibers.

This review is for the band Crazyhearse, based out of Middlebury, VT. I am not one to put my reviews on paper. I do not usually put my name behind bands simply because there has never been a band I've felt proudly enough to write a review about. Well, the band Crazyhearse changed my philosophy. With Crazyhearse's inaugural full-length album release, "Holy Water and Gin", the radio waves are now being graced with a lyrically driven, rock-a-billy meets blues-rock perfection. To put it simply, you need to buy this album and take a listen. The music is so very unique it will keep your ears engaged as well as your foot tapping. Great driving music and even better when you see a live performance. If you want to experience Crazyhearse in full form, go out and see a live performance. Truly, one of the most unique live acts I have seen in years. From Corey's slamming drums, Billy's driving bass lines, Mike's (Paco for the ladies) chunky guitar riffs, and Dave's soaring and haunting vocals (not to mention amazing banjo licks) will all mix together to create the excellent and eclectic blend they call Crazyhearse.
- The Homebrew Show


Discography

New Album Out: Tornadic Beige
Previous Albums:

IV

Holy Water and Gin

Pigman
Harvest Season

Photos

Bio

Crazyhearse is a four piece alt-rock band featuring guitar, bass, banjo, and drums with influences ranging from roots rock and alt-country to folk punk and gypsy jazz.  Emerging from the sleepy depths of Vermont's Champlain Valley, the boys of Crazyhearse have been waking the dead with their boot stompin' anthems and high octane crash-n-burners. An intoxicating blend of Americana, punk rock, and Transylvanian folklore, Crazyhearse has been labeled everything from rural industrial to swamp rock to Gothic folkabilly.

Band Members