Album Review: Crimewolf – Self Titled

Crimewolf formed in 2015 in the Derby area of the UK, the post punk outfit defy classification but their chaotic sonic assault is one that will appeal to fans off The Fall, Minutemen, Wire, Gang Of Four, Fugazi, Pere Ubu and Shellac. Their self titled debut album is now available via Head Of Chrom Records, but only as a twelve inch black vinyl album, and as it’s one that is limited to only 300 copies you’ll need to be quick to get yourself a copy.

Crimewolf kick off their debut album with Wall, a track that features a strident off kilter post punk backing underscored by a vocal delivery that is borne of dissatisfaction with the current status quo, this is followed up by Dogs, a three minute blast of discordant noise rock that brings the closest thing you’ll get to a single from the album. From here Crimewolf explore their own dissonant sound with no thought given to commercial viability, this is the album Crimewolf wanted to make with no concessions or compromises made. This is chaotic, angular, abrasive and at times downright self indulgent, but there are few bands making anything even close to the post punk soundclash that populates this idiosyncratic self titled debut.

Like many of the post punk bands from the 1970’s this is not an easy listen, and like the early releases by the likes of The Fall, Basement 5 or Public Image Ltd this is an abrasive and challenging album, and it’s one that recaptures the essence of the original post punk attitude. With their self titled debut Crimewolf have released an album that stands alone from the releases I’ve encountered in recent years, and it’s one that mark’s a welcome return to the roots of the genre.

Crimewolf‘s self titled debut album can be streamed and purchased here

Crimewolf‘s Facebook page can be found here