Thickly coated in indie-rock swagger and delivering each track with the unabashed energy of modern punk, CRITCH have set a ridiculously high bar with their debut EP. No Ball Games boasts 5 tracks that hit hard, fast, and leave no room for filler. The sleek structure and rowdy delivery from this newly minted project have been crowd-tested and stands confidently amongst more seasoned acts.
While CRITCH is a new project, band members James Critchlow, Connor Dixon, Bailey Kettell, and Adam Crookes are no strangers to tearing up the stages as headliners and festival mainstays. Bringing the quintessential Northern UK attitude, CRITCH have quickly established themselves as a regional treasure with global ambition.
Released November 10, No Ball Games is a late-entry to what might be one of the most exciting releases of the year. The introspective and biting lyrics are a highlight, and every listen delivers a new favourite rhyme. Carrying every word is a furious blend and guitar and drum that is reminiscent of early Arctic Monkeys. In just 5 tracks, CRITCH have packed in every element that showcases their talent, and desire to be heard. No Ball Games is a perfect balance of crisp production and raw, imperfect substance.
The dark and melodic opener, “Healing Alone” is the first and last chance to take a deep breath before all inhibition is tossed aside and the chaos comes out to play. Quickly exploding in a flurry of grungy guitar riffs and hard driving drums, “Animal Kingdom” doubles down on the dark tones paired with a furious energy. Giving the listener their chance to sing along comes in the form of the sneering anthem “Coffee Stains”. “Skint” is where the band really begins to shine, commiserating with the penniless masses who are as pissed as they are broke. Closing track “Punk Floyd” combines all the best aspects of the EP in devilishly designed denouement.
CRITCH have bridged the gap between the sensibilities and playfulness of indie with the unrelenting power of punk with No Ball Games. They have delivered a debut that not only demands attention but is at the forefront of an urgently needed new era of music.
Connect with CRITCH:
Instagram
Facebook
Spotify
Apple Music
Bio:
CRITCH brings a blend of raw tones, fast-paced lyrics, riffy melodies, and emotionally fueled sets, bridging the gap between alternative and punk music. The North-East’s most exciting band to watch are finding support all across the UK.
