Partisan fans and circumspect press typically make for a volatile combination. CROSBI are one such band who inhibit blind support in their faithful yet have struggled to attain critical media acceptance. Still with some friends and admirers in high places; Steve Lamacq, Sean Ryder, Clint Boon etc they could probably call in some favours.
Debut effort ‘All In’ is a resolute clutch of tracks set in the classic British rock blueprint. There’s the tender, wandering vocal harmonies of ‘Helayou’, the determined stamp and unwavering sentiment of standout effort ‘Coastline’ whilst the anthemic ‘Don’t Like You’ demonstrate their undeniable potential.
It’s also fair to say Crosbi wear their influences on their sleeve. Andy Jones distinct vocals inhibit the spirit of The La’s Lee Mavers whilst tracks like ’She got Soul’ also draw on some subtle Oasis influences. The piano led ‘Someway’ allows Jones vocals to strain at the leash momentarily but the re released ‘Sonny’ sounds overworked and underpowered. It’s an effortlessly seamless sound that’s slick and easy on the ear, yet its production proves to be detrimental. The character and confidence of their live shows has been replaced by layers of studio gloss and any raw immediacy has been filtered to the point of non existence, epitomised in the filler of ‘Hope you remember’ and ‘Glassman’.
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With a prematurely accomplished sound, Crosbi’s next step will be crucial as to whether they ‘make it’. Whilst ’All In’ epitomises their attitude, hopefully it isn’t the be all and end all the title suggests.
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