Manchester quartet cruush deliver a startling pivot with their new single "Rupert Giles," that takes their signature hazy shoegaze-grunge mix and sharpens it into a bold, more direct-sounding chime.
From the opening chords, there’s a genuine sense of intent, and they feel poised to move forward. The foursome have stripped back the fog of their earlier work and built a leaner, brighter, and more confident piece than previous efforts too.
Not to suggest that they’ve abandoned their roots, though—lead vocalist and guitarist Amber Warren still brings that yearning, emotive voice, soaked in Manchester-rain grit and hopeful tremor.
Guitars from Arthur Boyd swirl wildly and clash, while the rhythm section of Bruno Evans (bass) and Fotis Kalantzis (drums) clamp down with tight precision. The result is a song that nods to ’90s MTV-style video pop with fuzzy indie soul, making any nostalgia feel fresh.
"Rupert Giles" exudes swathes of cool energy and atmosphere but also has the muscle to power past its own shimmering edges.
For fans of cruush’s earlier dreamy turbulence, this is definitely an evolution, not an abandonment, while for newcomers, it’s an inviting entry point into one of Manchester’s most musically exciting and interesting bands.
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