Review 4

CRIM3S - STAY UGLY

UNSIGNED 2013

BY OSCAR NICHOLAS

Its such a shame when incredible sound and talent slips so far under the radar. The understated EP of 2013 has no doubt come from Crim3s. The twisted and dirty poundings from their second EP Stay Ugly deserves more recognition, in this writers opinion, than most big artists have received over last 12 months. Crim3s is formed of alternative model Sadie Pinn on vocals and her partner Rou Rot producing the tracks. The duo create witch-house/crank-wave masterpieces, with a unique Crystal Castles texture.

From the start Stay Ugly hits you full capacity. Warped layers of distorted bass and synths sit below Pinn's howls and screams. Opening track Lost is disgustingly gorgeous. The vocals are dissected and smothered in reverb over the crazy back beat. If you listened to it on drugs I imagine it would be terrifying.

Although hectic and intense Crim3s have an overlooked subtlety. The second track of Stay Ugly, Pansy  is full of sorrow and pain. I'm sick of this Pity, Mark my hate, are some of the emotive lyrics featured. And throughout the EP feelings are spilled over the almost trance like music. In Dose Pinn's vocals come out as cries, nothings here and nothings clear.

Stay Ugly is a follow up to the duo's self titled debut EP. The deathly, 8bit, devil arcade style of Crim3s is smoother than before. However they are yet to produce anything would be out of place in an sweaty, body filled, underground rave.

The closing track Stress, has a playful start and almost feels bouncy. It whirls back and forth to a build of bass and samples. After the pounding and faded screams of the word suffocate, silence may seem uncomfortable.

It may be that as a huge Crystal Castles fan, anything that holds its own in the genre I feel deserves recognition. Stay Ugly has the sincerity that the Alice and Ethan format needs to be triumphant. Its not easy being dirty and provoking but this EP feels right even if I can't pinpoint it.

Rating: 9