I’ve spent the last two years quietly envying the US punk scene and its continuing renaissance. Acts like The Gaslight Anthem, Against Me! and Fake Problems have left us Brits staring awkwardly at our feet and mumbling about Gallows. Finally, however, Britain has produced a cogent answer to our transatlantic cousins. Step forward, Crazy Arm, we’ve been waiting for you.
Blending the contrasting traditions of Hüsker Dü and The Clash, the Plymouth quartet might just save us yet. Debut album Born To Ruin dropped back in June and the band are rapidly becoming firm fixtures on the scene. And with good reason: they’re a talented bunch, with a winning combination of balls-to-the-wall punk rock and a mixed bag of blues and roots influences.
Darren Johns’ melodic drawl wraps itself elegantly around intelligent songwriting, while guitarist Jon Dailey and bassist Tim Rowing-Parker seem engaged in a perpetual musical duel to dominate the sound. The songs themselves are killer: there’s righteous anger and a classic rock solo on “International Front”, while that slick bassline on “Asphalt” can’t help but draw comparisons to Fugazi classic “Waiting Room”.
This isn’t a band who favour cheap, throwaway riffs: Crazy Arm craft their music with exquisite care, intricate guitar melodies sparring with martial drums. It’s a tuneful onslaught, but the frustration and aggression are genuine, and that beating heart makes Crazy Arm a truly compelling listen.
Track // “Blind Summit” (mp3)
Marcus Kernohan is the founding editor of Stereokill. 
