EP review: CROBOT – Rat Child
Mascot Records [Release date 18.06.21]
Crobot have announced their new record Rat Child EP, which features a mighty cast of pure rock pedigree. It’s a punchy taste of what is to come in the future – this is a collaborative EP which demonstrates the range and depth of the band and guests, whetting our appetites for more… I hope you guys have been busy writing during lockdown!
The band’s last album Motherbrain (2019) was a global hit – this EP is a collection of what didn’t make it on to the album for whatever reason, the band shares – “These Motherbrain leftovers (and new tunes alike), will satiate your tastebuds for some new Crobot riffage. We had the unique opportunity to collaborate with Frankie Bello (Anthrax), Howard Jones (Light the Torch), & Stix Zadina (Steel Panther), with whom we not only value friendship but idolize as well. Whether it’s gritty grooves, ballistic riffs, or that good ol’ Crobot sound you’re yearning for to getcha through, we’ve got just frequencies for ya! Say hello to our lil’ friends…”
In advance of the EP release, they have revealed the video for “Mountain” featuring Frank Bello. Brandon Yeagley “We’ve grown to know the Anthrax dudes pretty well through touring. We’ve always talked about writing with Frankie because we have a lot of the same influences and that definitely shines through in ‘Mountain.’ It was a treat to work with him on something.”
The recording “Everyone Dies” was co-written by Steel Panther’s Stix Zadina, who performs piano, drums and bass on the track. Yeagley states, “One of the last tours we did was supporting Steel Panther. We hit it off with all of the guys. Stix even got tattooed by Bishop! We kept in touch and he sent us a bunch of ideas he had for songs. We really gravitated towards this piano instrumental he had called ‘Jimmy’s Piano Song.’ We don’t know Jimmy, but Stix must really love that dude…cause that shit brought tears to our eyes. Through a couple of Zoom sessions, we were able to work everything out and that’s how we wrote ‘Everyone Dies.’ We really wanted to venture somewhere different with this one but still pump it full of our personality. This is our attempt to sit at the dinner table with Queen whilst eating a healthy portion of Meatloaf.” This is my favourite track of the EP – but all of the songs are absolute class, this is like a fabulous dessert finishing a fine meal!
In reference to the collaboration with Howard Jones, whom they met through mutual friends, Yeagley says, “We have always been huge fans of his melodic footprint and his unique melodies. When we heard he would be interested in writing with us, we were beyond excited. He flew down to Austin and spent a few days in a studio with us. We had a such great chemistry with him and wrote ‘Kiss it Goodbye.’ It seemed like such a travesty to let such a great song sit on the shelf. So, we’re pumped to let the world hear it!”
I hope this is a teaser for what is to come and indeed, more collaborations, much as I’d prefer to see bands on the road and be able to freely enjoy live music, Covid-19 has certainly stirred the creative juices and the music that is being produced as a result is a class above – every cloud as they say…. *****
Review by Karen Clayton
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