Deathcrash’s Playlist of Influences for “Somersaults” – Flood

athcrash, a band known for their unique blend of doomy slowcore, has always defied expectations. Since their formation in 2018, they have seamlessly combined elements of minimalist slowcore with overpowering noise rock and post-rock grandeur infused with pop sensibilities. While they share a musical landscape with fellow London-based band Black Country, New Road, deathcrash’s music maintains a haunting gothic undertone that sets them apart.

Their latest album, Somersaults, continues to showcase this dark atmosphere, which is intertwined with references and influences from a variety of artists that have inspired their sound. In anticipation of the album’s release, deathcrash shared a playlist that sheds light on the diverse range of artists that have left a mark on their music. From the indie charm of Death Cab for Cutie to the pop-slowcore simplicity of The xx, their playlist covers a spectrum of sounds that have shaped their sonic identity.

One of the core influences mentioned by the band is Have a Nice Life, with whom they toured. Have a Nice Life’s ability to seamlessly blend doom-laden heaviness with indie elements opened deathcrash’s eyes to the possibilities of combining different musical styles. This newfound inspiration allowed deathcrash to explore their own duality, incorporating both somber and upbeat elements into their music.

The influence of other artists like The Killers and Broken Social Scene can also be felt in deathcrash’s music, as they draw from the anthemic quality of these bands’ tracks. Tracks like The Killers’ “Everything Will Be Alright” and Broken Social Scene’s “Lover’s Spit” showcase their fondness for crafting emotionally resonant and tender songs that leave a lasting impact on listeners.

Additionally, artists like Laura Marling and The xx have played a significant role in shaping deathcrash’s sound. Laura Marling’s haunting track “Ghosts” and The xx’s minimalist yet global sound have helped deathcrash reimagine the possibilities of slowcore music, pushing them to create music that is both intricate and accessible.

Among the playlist selections is Okkervil River’s “Your Past Life as a Blast,” a track that showcases intricate layering and complex song structures. This approach influenced deathcrash’s own songwriting process, inspiring them to experiment with layering and building upon their demos to create more dynamic and textured compositions.

As deathcrash continues to evolve and experiment with their sound, they draw inspiration from a wide range of artists who have each contributed to shaping their unique musical identity. Their playlist offers a glimpse into the diverse influences that have fueled their creative process and guided them in crafting their haunting, atmospheric music.