Album Of The Week: “Somersaults” by deathcrash
Emerging from the vibrant London art-rock scene, deathcrash is a rising star alongside other young talents like Black Country, New Road and caroline. Their new album, Somersaults, showcases a band that is in the process of navigating the complexities of the world while grappling with a sense of disillusionment with life. Vocalist and guitarist Tiernan Banks captures this sentiment perfectly in the track “CMC” with the poignant line, “This life is the best life/ Oh god, it’s the only one.” The repetition of this phrase invites listeners to ponder the multiple layers of meaning it holds, reflecting on themes of temporal finality and dissatisfaction with the status quo.
Despite their youth, deathcrash brings a mature outlook to their music, drawing from experiences that have led them to grow up and let go of youthful dreams. Their debut album, Return, was met with critical acclaim for its bleak post-rock sound reminiscent of slowcore and post-hardcore legends like Codeine and Slint. These influences shine through in their sophomore album, Less, which oscillated between moments of restraint and distortion. The overarching bleakness of their previous work continues to define the tone of Somersaults, with Banks crooning on the track “Love For M,” “Baby, songs are supposed to be sad,” reinforcing their commitment to emotive and introspective songwriting.
Returning after a three-year gap since their last release, deathcrash injects a sense of urgency into Somersaults, reflecting the realization of the finite nature of time. While their signature slow-burning style remains present in tracks like “Stay Forever” and “The Thing You Did,” this album marks a departure as vocals and lyrics take center stage. Banks himself notes a shift in perspective, stating, “I think there was this do-or-die fatalism in our previous music that doesn’t exist here.” Somersaults delves into internal struggles and the challenges of navigating a fractured world, highlighting the anguish of self-accountability juxtaposed with the acceptance of life’s uncertainties.
As deathcrash grapples with adulthood, Somersaults delves into themes of professional stagnation and interpersonal relationships. Tracks like “NYC” and “Marie’s Last Dance” capture the band’s reflections on the challenges of pursuing a creative career and the complexities of growing apart from childhood friends. Through intricate storytelling and raw emotion, deathcrash invites listeners into a world where dreams meet reality, unveiling the bittersweet truths of maturity and self-discovery.
While some moments on Somersaults may feel fleeting in the grand narrative of the album, the overall experience is a delicate balance between youthful naivety and seasoned wisdom. deathcrash doesn’t offer solutions but instead provides a sonic landscape where noise fades into the background, leaving behind a poignant guitar-driven journey of introspection and catharsis. Released on untitled (recs), Somersaults stands as a testament to deathcrash’s growth and evolution, solidifying their place as torchbearers of the London art-rock scene.