The electro-tinged CRASHFACE, saw no reason to hold anything back with the blitz effect of their third EP – LIFE AND DEATH IN THE WASTELAND. Initially inspired by the likes of Bring Me The Horizon, My Chemical Romance, Nine Inch Nails & Deftones, CRASHFACE’s current sonic obsessions tend towards a more fluid use of EDM-esque post-hardcore, as they revel in their extensive issues with the contemporary music industry or as they call it, “the wasteland”.
Although the duo have made great strides in constructing an intriguing identifiable sound, emboldened by effective efforts to differentiate themselves from a sea of similar alt metal bands, their biggest flaw can be attributed to not having an “instant recall single”, that one track that when a band name is said, there is always a song you will play in your head. CRASHFACE don’t seem to have that powerful single in their repertoire, well, at least as far as this latest release is concerned. Experiencing their collaboration with Sam Matlock on ‘MANIAC’ provided some semblance of such yearned for greatness, yet it somehow seemed to get lost in a multilayered climactic clusterfuck, which isn’t to say the track wasn’t enjoyable, but it left the feeling of a partially-scratched itch.
While the duo’s latest addition to their discography does leave something to be desired, the overall experience is a positive one. With great soars and lulls, cradled by their top tier production value, there are definitely some gems in need of greater attention; starting with ‘C.H.A.I.N.S.A.W.’ besides being a track whose chorus made the strongest impression, it also feels like quite the amalgamation of all the best of the throwback heavy vibes, while ‘ATROCITY’ feels like an easy fit on a hardcore gym rats Workout Demolition playlist.
To say this latest release is a diamond in the rough would be somewhat of an insult considering CRASHFACE’s tireless dedication to the long lasting immersion, that they have become so well known for. As much as this record will leaves something to be desired from its creative expression, the duo will surely do this EP justice as they hit the road on their LIVE IN THE WASTELAND October tour.