Crux

Item: Cakewalk
Author: dEaDsMilE

Cakewalk

(1997)

Reviewed by dEaDsMilE

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Label Tooth & Nail RecordsDead Zine1997

hardcore punk punk

(Note: Cakewalk is a punk album, so that does hurt the rating some.)

I have to say, Crux is probably one of the best punk bands out there. And no, they're not one of those poppy punk bands everyone's getting so sick of. These guys have a rougher edge than what most people would expect from a band that calls themselves "Punk". The best category you could fit them into would be old school punk. They're melodic yet more intense than what you would expect. If you like hardcore, you'll probably like Crux. See, they describe their own style as "the intensity of a hardcore band, with the intervals and riffs of a punk band, and sometimes the vocals of a...jazz singer?". That's right. Another thing that makes Crux unique are the vocals. Rich Phillips voice definitely isn't brutal, but it makes the band sound unique. (It sounds cool too.)

Cakewalk is Crux's second release on T&N Records. The only change in the band lineup between the two albums has been the bass player. Bob Gosset is the newest addition to Crux. I think he does some really nice work on this album too. On Cakewalk, Crux uses their own unique style to make the album interesting, and fun to listen to. There's not even a weak point on this disc musically, or lyrically.

They write mostly about reckless lifestyles, and things that just aren't right in the world we live in. The lyrics on Cakewalk tend to be very thought provoking, and they always look at things from a Christian perspective. Some of my favs lyrically are: "Farming In Beijing", "Bring On Some Anarchy", and "What Caliber Of A Man". Here's part of one called "Punk Police".

Since when was punk
a fashion or a trend
where the only things
that are disdained or offend
are real and honest people
standing up for what they believe
These pseudo-punk M.R.R. types
mired in their senseless little scene
"If you're not sucking up the thoughtless pap, You ain't punk enough for me"

Crux has grown just as much lyrically as they have musically, from their first album: Failure To Yield. Here's part of another one on Cakewalk I like. "Swallowed Up With Life".

but this powerful king was broken
in his moment of victory.
a simple servant was now the master,
a simple servant now holds the key.

but thanks be to God!
who gave us victory through Christ.
in order that what is mortal,
may be swallowed up with life.

The average song on Cakewalk is under 2 minutes, but there's 16 of them, and they all sound different (not different in style, they just don't sound the same). The length of the songs isn't really such a bad thing for this album, because they're all good. I can't even think of a song on this CD that doesn't just KICK. It has just as much energy and intensity as the other stuff I listen to, plus, it's NOT one of those albums that you get sick of, a week after you buy it. They keep you interested, and they aren't one of those punk bands most people can't even stand for two minutes. Cakewalk has been one of my favorites from the first time I heard it. If you like (or liked) punk, and you're getting sick of all those poppy bands, try Crux. In reality they are a punk band, but in this case, it doesn't really matter as much about what style of music you like.

8/10

Other Staff Member Ratings
D_Lister: 6.5/10