Crawlers - “Too Soon”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 9

Pairs Well With…Paramore, Wolf Alice, Pom Pom Squad

Heavy alt-rock defines Crawlers’ self-titled 2021 and recent follow-up Loud Without Noise, big guitar riffs and reverb-driven distortion in the lead. Yet, it is pop songwriting that makes their music immediately connect. Personal, biting lyrics accompany the dramatic modes of their instrumentation, hitting the point with sledgehammers while still keeping tight, hook-laden songwriting in mind. Even when dealing in minor melodies, Crawlers’ music is consistently upbeat, drawing equally from metal and bright pop song to song. The energetic, insistent songs on Loud Without Noise are a far jump from their breakout debut “Come Over (Again)”, a song that is built on light dream pop with comfort in mind. It’s impressive that Crawlers can pull off both and should yield a well-rounded SXSW set this March. Don’t sleep on their one-off singles like “Hang Me Like Jesus” and “Placebo” as well, songs that branch a bit further from the center and mark Crawlers as a band to watch as they continue to quickly evolve. (Kevin McStravick)