Girl at the Rock Shows

It’s new music Friday. I know that Beyonce’s latest album is all the talk right now, but in my world, I’m all about Crash Exhibition’s new album, ‘Alright,’ that just dropped today. Does that name sound familiar? It should! I had the honor of interviewing Crash Exhibition last month. In that interview, I teased the new album and pushed the single “Forget You,” but now I’m back to share this brilliant full album with you.

‘Alright’ starts with “Tame.” Much like the title of this opening track may lead you to believe, “Tame” is a relatively “Tame” track (at least at the beginning). I love how this song and its slight ambiance draw you into Crash Exhibition’s world. It’s one of those songs that feels more like background music than anything else yet instantly commands your attention. The vocals soar over light instrumentation that slowly turns into a playful line of notes that will instantly get stuck in your head while also bringing a smile to your face. Although you can hear that there is serious talent and a serious attention to detail in this opening song, you also feel something playful about it. “Tame” seems to have two parts to it. I won’t give it all away, but everything about this track changes after just under two minutes. The playful nature drops and gives way to a booming atmosphere of sound that takes the song away from the “Tame” name. It makes this song feel a bit choppy but, again, really draws you into Crash Exhibition’s creative world.

The way that “Tame” leads into “Forget You” is absolutely genius. There’s no other way to put it. You get almost alien-like sounds that seem to be growing and growing until they blend into the catchy number that is “Forget You.” As mentioned, I have already dug into that track through the interview I did (you can read that review HERE!), so I won’t dig super deep into it here, but this song will have you dancing to the infectious beat. It’s a feel-good Jeff Rosenstock-styled bop, and, on a Friday, who doesn’t love a little danceable bop?

The title track of this album, “Alright”, is third. Although it has the same amount of energy as “Forget You,” there’s something just a bit more restrained about this one and something a bit more folksy. Honestly, the first comparison I wanted to make when listening to this track was AJJ, but that pigeonholes this song as it’s not a straight-up folk-punk song. There are so many creative and unique elements swerving through this track that there were moments when I didn’t quite know what to listen to, but I knew I wouldn’t mind listening to this song a couple of times to catch them all.

I love how, just three songs in, we have already heard three very different and distinct sides of Crash Exhibition, and that doesn’t stop as the album moves onto “Play For Keeps.” This song features a bit more angst in the vocals, instantly reminding me of Laura Jane Grace and Against Me! The angst that comes through this song shows just how much emotion and passion Crash Exhibition puts into every song, and it’s truly staggering, making this three-minute song feel much shorter than that.

Just when you think that Crash Exhibition has played all of their cards as far as styles go, they hit you with the slow and somber “Waving Myself Goodbye.” Although I did find this song a bit minimal and, quite honestly, sleepy for a Friday, I understood its place on this album and appreciated the beauty. I also appreciated that this gave you four and a half minutes to really hear the talent and beauty behind this band. As I got lost in the slow and steady beat, I couldn’t help but thank Crash Exhibition for having this small break in the controlled chaos I had gotten from the previous four tracks. A soaring guitar solo ends this song perfectly and ushers you back into Crash Exhibition’s infectiously danceable vibe with “Past Lives.”

The lyrics are at the forefront throughout this album, but it wasn’t until “Past Lives” that I really found myself following every word. I can’t tell if that’s because of a particular line really hooking me or the tone of the vocals or what, but why question a good thing? The vocals throughout this album are great. They are raw and honest, with a story to tell, and the story behind “Past Lives” is particularly beautiful and deep. Right around the two-minute mark is a stunning instrumental part. Lines of notes rise and fall at breakneck speed but in an almost classical-music-induced fury. Although it was just a small part of a great song, that part was a highlight of this song and the highlight of the album for me.

I didn’t particularly like the way that “Past Lives” stopped so suddenly but as “Tidal Wave” picked up with “Past Lives” stopped, it made sense. “Tidal Wave” has some drama behind it. I don’t know how else to put it, but I feel like you’ll understand as soon as you hear the vocals on this seventh track. There’s just something almost theatrical about them while the instrumentation stays firmly situated in Crash Exhibition’s world. This contrast completes another whole new sound yet fits this album so perfectly. Vocal harmonies are just the icing on the cake to this brilliant, albeit short, song.

I can’t tell if the lyrics of “Laika” are meant to be taken at face value, but this one hit me hard as an animal lover. Honestly, it’s hard enough that I don’t want to dwell on this song as it seems to tell the story of an abandoned and abused dog. Now, this song could have a much deeper meaning here, but, for me, I feel that the heartbreaking story and the emotion that it’s presented with is more than enough for you to get the just of this song, so just listen to it for yourself.

I like how “Still Here” follows up with the dark lyrics of “Laika” with the opening line, “I’m so glad that I’m alive and breathing.” Although it’s a bit of a cliche statement, the fun, carefree nature of “Still Here” mixed with the positive lyrics creates such a fun atmosphere and one that is perfect for any of those days where you feel bummed out and lost in your head. Although today is not one of those days for me, “Still Here” will definitely be one of those songs I keep in my back pocket for some of my darker days.

“Ticket” is easily the longest track on this album at just under six minutes, but it’s also easily the most epic. The range of emotions, moods, and themes that Crash Exhibition goes through in this song is staggering, but what’s more staggering is how they all work so well together. I also like the introduction to an almost classic psychedelic vibe. That may not be the best way to describe it but there’s something vintage about this song that I found captivating. That mixed with dark yet supportive lyrics made this song one of those tracks that was so easy to just close your eyes and get lost to.

From the longest song on the album to the shortest, ‘Alright’ closes with the quick outro that is aptly called “Close”. This song goes back to the themes of “Tame,” and I absolutely adored the way this final track seemed to ease you back into the real world with the same sense of ambiance and beauty that ushered you into the world of Crash Exhibition. It’s quick, only a minute and a half, but is not a track to skip. Let this song play all the way through to truly end your experience that was ‘Alright’ from Crash Exhibition.

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