Reviews
......................................................................................................................................................... |
 
Crosbi "All In"
Debut album from Wrexham hopefuls Crosbi.
All In, the long-playing debut from Wrexham's Crosbi, features 12 pocket-sized portraits
of small-town life in Anytown, UK, complete with tales of escape, frustration and
the general mundanity of living.
Opening with singles Coastline and Sonny, the band play solidly throughout,
though Andrew Jones' distinctive exaggerated scouse vocals are an acquired taste
that will leave many cold.
Still, it's a perfectly creditable debut. Whether they endure or end up as a musical
curiosity, the quality of songs like Don't Like You and On The Run is hard to ignore.
Joe Goodden, BBC.co.uk |
NME : Radar
NEW MUSIC IN YOUR TOWN
Whrexham
Once rather better known for a preponderance of joyriders than a thriving music scene,
Wrexham rock is finally on the rise. Smack-bang between bustling scally-rock metropolis
Liverpool and the craggy wilderness of mid-Wales, Whreham's scene takes the cocksure
swagger of the former and the bucolic a new generation of bands with dogged ambitions
and a taste for mind expansion.
For a comprehensive lowdown of the scene, visit www.wrehammusic.co.uk, or
alternatively, head straight forthe bricks and mortar Wrexham Central Station has
hosted Bloc Party, The Charlatans, while the NEWI student union
bar and The Old Swan cram the locals into slightly more intimate surroundings.
Pioneers of the new spirit of baggy are Crosbi, conga-driven rockers fronted
by tousled Andy Jones. Forthcoming debut album "All In" was
recorded at Rockfield Studios, birthplace of "Definitely Maybe"
Louis Pattison - NME |
Crosbi - All In
a great debut album from a group of young, ambitious songwriters from Wrexham. A
rock quintet with definite attitude. One problem though - can't understand a word
they say
Hanna Collier, Burton Mail
Crosbi - Helayou
Wreham's finest return with another single thats every bit as distinctive as their
excellent debut, Sonny, thanks mainly to the distinctive style of lead singer Andy
Jones.
A tastefully restrained guitar rock nugget from the band's recommended All In album |
Crosbi - All In
One of those albums that's well done with some good tunes but not just good enough
to make you jump up and down.
It's got one thing that'll make or break it: vocalist Andy Jones, whose voice has
the whine of ian McCulloch (or Richard Ashcroft in places), and will either irritate
the hell out of you or make you love the Crosbi sound. If more peoplpe love than
loathe his voice - and it never harmed - then they'll do ok.
Crosbi are from (apparently) the fastest growning town in Britain: Wrexham. As well
as Jones, Crosbi are his brother Steve on lead guitar, James Edwards holding on drums
and bassist Steven Gid Goundrey. The music is god if not great : power pop rock with
plenty of riffs and some good tunes.
rosbi seem to have the dedication and confidence to get on. Andy Jones said: "We
decided we had to get a bit James Brown. If we didn't rehearse four time a week,
it wasn't good enough. The music industry is cutthroat, and we're competing with
other bands for the chance to put out a record."
Steve Lamacq called them one of his new bands of last year and Shaun Ryder asked
the band to play in support to the Happy Mondays at 2004's "Get loaded in the
park" while Inspiral Carpet turned XFM Dj Clint Boon asked Crosbi to pplay at
his wedding. So they're cool, they work hard and they got the riffs - it's just whether
pepple can get past the vocals. I'm being nice because they grate on my nerves like
fingers on a blackboard...
Congleton Chronicle |
Crosbi "Coastline"
It's hard to be different.
Ask the side-parted, rock'n'roll wanna-cheques that get signed by record companies
as soon as shops, bemoaning their lace-curtain lands. Crosbi, however, provide a
fresh alternative.
From the discordant guitar intro, a surging, unremitting sound pour forth, pushed
by sparse yet pounding drums. Andy Jones' vocals are akin to La's Lee Mavers with
an anger management problem, and they soon merge with lifting, massive guitar chords,
which carve out a life-affirming chorus.
Comparisons with Echo & The Bunnymen have been made, but feel slightly incongruous,
when a group revisiting their music is compared to one rejuvenating it.
Here's to the new breed.
Record Collector |
Crosbi "All In"
Crosbi's debut album has a collaboration of songs following the style of old skool
Britrock, the Who and the Jam.
The songs on this album are all very similar in style and remind me of a combination
of the Arctic Monkeys and the Kooks.
It has great potential though lacks individual style.
Crosbi - Helayou
After their debut release Sonny, Helayou immediately opens with the unmistakable
retro twang of yesteryear, before leading straight into yearning vocals reminiscent
of Blur's Tender era.
With a soothing, passionate chorus build up, Helayou gives a heartfelt insight into
how the world will not wait for you, and how you have to get on with plans because
nobody will do it for you.
Crosbi are definitely a band to look out for. Taking influence from musical genius
found in U2 or The Verve, you'll definitely be hearing more of this band soon.
Peterborough Herald & Post |
Crosbi: Coastline
Crosbi singer Andy Jones may sound like the ABSO-laden bastard son
of Ian McCulloch, with a bee in his bonnet and a wasp down his trousers, but
don't let that label them as 80s revivalists.
The five-piece from Wrexham are all about the here and now, and drip with the vitality
that has drenched the crowds at so many of their heroic hometown live shows.
But 'Coastline' is all about breaking away from the safety of those cosy pints
down the local and those same old faces on the same old streets. It's about breaking
free and following your dreams, and so quite rightly stomps with a defiance that
has set their stall out early. It's the point where Crosbi have come of age.
Where their debut single Sonny showcased their infectious sing-along choruses,
'Coastline' grabs you by the neck and screams down your ears. The pounding drums
and percussion keep you reaching for the repeat button like a demented monkey that
never gets tired of dancing. If Noel Gallagher heard this single he'd love
it so much he might well follow through into his designer pants, but he would never
admit it because he'd realise his own band of aging dad-rockers are well and truly
past their sell-by date. And after all, there's no dignity in shitting yourself. |
Crosbi "Sonny"
You're going to love this, or hate it.
Distinctive vocals - think Echo and the Bunnymen - early U2-style pounding drums
and driving guitars. Peter Hook, Mani and Steve Lamacq are all fans and it has anindie
rock late night Lamacq sound. good stuff, with a full sound reminiscent of The Music
or Embrace if you can get into the vocal style. Out Now !
Congleton Chronicle |
Crosbi "Sonny"
Debut single from Wrexham five-piece Crosbi.
Having created a steady buzz of interest in their hometown Wrexham, now Crosbi threaten
to take their melodic guitar rock to a wider audience with the release of their debut
single Sonny.
Andy Jones' vocals will sound familiar to anyone who's heard a Zutons or Coral record,
but there's more to Crosbi than aping their Merseyside heroes. Produced by former
Inspiral Carpet Clint Boon, these two tracks manage to burrow into a listener's consciousness
like a pair of cunning audio rabbits. Neat.
Joe Goodden, BBC.co.uk |
Crosbi "Sonny"
Can count everyone from New Order's Peter Hook to Jonathan Ross as admirers, and
there's unlikely to be any more didtinctive vocal this year than big pop rocking
Sonny.
The Herald Observer
Crosbi - Helayou
Crosbi can already boast a fanbase from Mani to Jonathan Ross, and the big heartfelt
helayou is the third single from their forthcoming debut album All In.
The Herald Observer |
Crosbi "Helayou"
Andy Jones' yearning vocals verge on a yodel here as the fuzzed-up guitar winds its
meandering way to ultimate glory.
The Huddersfield Daily |
Crosbi "Sonny"
Crosbi deliver textbook sunshine pop with the release of their single Sonny, recorded
with Stereophonics producer Steve Bush. The winning vocals and fun hoooks sound off
like a fire alarm in your head while charismatic frontman Andy Jones lets rip a penetrating
whine, sounding eerily like The Kooks. This is a Good Thing. *** ND
Buzz S Wales |
Crosbi "Sonny"
The Wrexham quintet are finally set to complete their breakthrough onto the musical
scene by adding yet another drum-driven, guitar-strumming Indie tune to the multitudes
already cluttering the airwaves.
But Andy Jones' electrifyng vocals transform this offering from run-of-the-mill to
spine-tingling. Catch them at Pure on the 22nd.
Caroline Wooster, The Courier |
Crosbi Biography
Sibling rock taking their cue from the godfathers of Merseyrock.
Siblings in rock traditionally haven't had the easiest time. The Everly Brothers'
close harmonies masked years of Don and Phil not speaking to one another. And Ray
and Dave Davies of the Kinks' legendary backstage bust-ups were matched only by the
Gallagher brothers of Oasis in recent years. Still, it's the music that matters,
no?
Crosbi certainly hope so. Hailing from Wrexham in North Wales, but taking their cue
more from Liverpudlian bands including Echo & The Bunnymen and The Zutons, the
band started out with two sets of siblings. Double the trouble, then? Possibly so,
though the band claimed it worked in their favour. "If you think the guitar
part is shit, you say so," said frontman Andy Jones, whose brother Steve plays
lead guitar in the band.
"Because we all go back so far, there's no beating around the bush. Jamie (Owens,
bass) has had to get a tough skin really fast. But it means we've done in months
what other bands do in years." That was back in early 2006. In May that year,
Owens left, as did second set of brothers Ben and Simon Jones. Ben played drums,
and Simon switched between congas and keyboards. Their replacements were Steven Goundrey
on bass, and James Edwards on drums. Influenced by the likes of Can, The Verve and
Joy Division, the debut Crosbi single Sonny was released in June 2005 and
produced by Clint Boon, formerly of Inspiral Carpets.
But they'd already created a buzz in certain quarters. Boon gave a Crosbi demo to
Shaun Ryder, which led to a support slot to the Happy Mondays at 2004's Get Loaded
In The Park.
They've recorded sessions for Radio 1's Bethan & Huw show and Radio Wales' Adam
Walton, and have played with former Can singer Damo Suzuki, and with Juliette Lewis'
band The Licks.
The debut Crosbi album, All In, emerged in April 2006. |
Crosbi - All In
Rooted in good old-fashioned Britrock but with the pop sensibilities of classic Cheap
Trick, the Wrexham rabble-rousers are fast building an army of fans and, like Lily
Allen, they've done it on internet site myspace.
Twelve pocket-sized portraits of smalltown life offer tales of escape, frustration
and day-to-day drudgery, all built around frontman Andy Jones' remarkable vocal and
his brother Steve's crunching guitar riffs.
At times, you suspect the singer may be on helium as his voice twists and turns on
songs such as Sonny, helayou and Someway. It's an acquired tatse but one well worth
cultivating.
PC, Sunday Mercury |
Crosbi
Coastline
Crosbi hear follow up their debut single with another near-faultless guitar pop excursion.
Opening with a devilish whirl of guitars and synths that meld the Butler-era glory
days of Suede with the raw energy of Definitely Maybe, Coastline displays urgency
that most plodding bedroom bands would cry for if they only had the hunger.
And Crosbi clearly have the hunger. Coastline wastes no time in grabbing the listener
by the throat, the band rattling through the verses as if their strumming hands depended
on it, before the chorus bursts into its many-splendoured glory.
As singer Andy Jones puts it, "It's about that feeling of realising that your
instincts are right and you've found the direction you need to go in. Realising what
it is you wanna do and doing it, having convictions, quitting your job or running
away from home."
Remarkably self-assured on just their second single, Wrexham's Crosbi are hungry
for success and heading the right way with it. Coastline kicks you in the face then
gives you balm for your sores. Because they're ever so good like that.
Joe Goodden, BBC.co.uk |
Crosbi hit the road
New Welsh heroes Crosbi are set to emerge from Rockfield Studios, where they've
been recording their debut album, to play a series of shows this summer.
The as-yet-untitled album is set to be released later this year but will be preceded
by the release of their debut single.
The Wrexham five-piece have already become firm favourites with Radio 1's Bethan
and Huw and recently performed for them live from Rockfield. Grab a chance to see
the band play live before they become bigger than Robbie Savage's ego.
Andy Robbins, Drowned in Sound |
Crosbi - All In
Imagine for a terrible second that The Charlatans, Oasis, Cast and The verve never
existed.
Had this been the case then the latest swaggering indie band may never have been
born.
Airing on the side of gutteral whine and arrogant petulance, Crosbi have wandered
into the musical arena with their accomplished debut album "All On".
Ignore them at your peril. With the new brand of geek chic indie music and limited
longevity of the chirpy Kaiser Chiefs it is refreshing to see a band hat have gone
back to basics.
Heralding from Wrexham, wedged between Manchester and Liverpool the band have all
the geographical requirements to take over from the established godfathers of the
Indie genre.
Andy Jones' voice sounds like a young John Power and the lyrics will be well received
by Oasis and Stone Roses fans alike. So if like me you lament the passing of the
good old mid-ninetles then take a £10 trip down nostalgia lane, dig out your
parker and give "All In" some deserved attention, it's out now.
Rh, Dumfries & Galloway Standard |
Crosbi "All In"
Crosbi are one of the hottest rising stars to come out of the wilderness that sits
between the North of England and Wales, however with a touch aof deja vu. The quintet
have been on the rock and roll trail following in the footsteps of The Stone Roses,
oasis and Queen by recording new album "All In" at the legendary studios
in Monmouth where the aforementioned Kings of their trades made their names (and
their records).
The band have an inherent energy and passion for what they do which is evident in
their music, but the overall experience is married as the La's "There She Goes"
come back to haunt me, and I am almost tempted to check the name on the cover to
make sure it is in fact Crosbi. Even so, this does not detract from the fact that
this is a well produced album that spells the beginning for yet another melodic guitar
band.
After Dark Cheltenham |
Crosbi "All In"
Brand new debut album from Wrexham based Crosbi. The band have released two successful
singles in "Coastline" and "Sonny" and Steve Lamacq called them
one of his new bands of last year. Ex-Inspiral Carpets man Clint Boon even asked
Crosbi to play his wedding, where they played to the admiring glances of members
of Primal Scream, New Order, and The Smiths. For the recording of their debut album,
Crosbi travelled to Rockfield Studios in Monmouth. The band are formed around the
nucleus of two sets of brothers and on the surface there's something of the optimistic
Mersey Rock sound as pedalled by bands from the LA's to the Zutons, but dig deeper
and everything from Can to Buffalo Springfield to Joy Division all feature.
New single "Helayou" is Crosbi at their epic best, the opening riffs and
steady building percussion frame Andy's yearning vocals, intertwine with the waves
of fuzzed up guitar into a stadium worthy climax ñ think prime era U2.
A surging, unremitting sound. Andy Jones' vocals are akin to La's Lee Mavers with
an anger management problem ... massive guitar chords, which carve out life-affirming
choruses' - Record Collector.
Three track remix 12", including the 'Conspiracy Mix', 'Alf Alpha Dub Mix' and
the 'Alf Alpha Vocal Mix'. Conspiracy are an alter-ego of Superthriller and Alf Alpha
is Fila Brazilia's new incarnation. |
Hailing from Wrexham, which is not renowned for its contribution to the music scene,
from the look of Crosbi's latest offering, single 'Sonny' it looks like another
town in Wales could be placed on the map courtesy of its musical talent.
'Sonny' is Crosbi's latest single and provides listeners with an infectious,
catchy chorus which will have lead singer Andy Jone's distinctive vocals resonating
through your head for days to come. Crosbi appear to have the arrogance of
bands such as the Verve and Oasis, however whereas most bands lack the talent and
style, that does not appear to be a problem with Crosbi. 'Sonny', similarly
to other Crosbi songs are covered with a layer of a thick welsh-accent intertwined
with pounding anthemic piano and bongo sections. As a result this song exudes character
and charisma, forcing it to stand out from much of the standard indie-rock which
is in all too much abundance today.
Additional tracks on the single 'Looking For You' and 'See Me Walking' give a taste
of Crosbi's capabilities as a band. The tracks continue with the unique vocals
and a sound which comes across as laid-back and easy whilst at the same time makes
you take notice. Furthermore the chorus's are equally catchy; this skill appears
to be one of Crosbi's fortes. Given this quality of this single and the diversity
of praise that they have received so far Crosbi are a band to look out for
in the future.
Jenny Gibson, Piccadilly Records.com |
Crosbi - All In
Wrexham. Not exactly the place you'd associate with up and coming indie bands; but
that's exactly where you're wrong.
In the step Crosbi, with their debut album All In, with the ready-made swagger and
confidence that could give Liam Gallagher a run for his money.
The album opens with Coastline, a fast and infectious gotta-get-outta-this-town anthem
with the raw energy of Definitely Maybe. Next comes Sonny, and once again you find
yourself wrapped in the raspy vocals of Andy Jones and waiting upon his every word;
the same goes for the rest of the album. At first glance, it can be easyto dismiss
Crisbi as yet another new indie band, with identical guitar riffs and the knowledge
they're the best thing since Arctic Monkeys.
But All In is different. It stands out from the standard, average indie rock scene
that's in abundance these days. So turn on the CD player, hit repeat and get ready
to witness something special.
Hannah Bryan, The Easingwold
Advertiser |
Crosbi - Sonny
Recently featured on Jonathan Ross and the Radio 1 evening shows, Crosbi launch their
career with the debut single Sonny. The massive guitar chords incorporated with some
really distinctive vocals from lead singer Andy Jones make crosbi one of the most
dynamic and alternative bands today. look out for their debut album later in the
year produced and mixed by multi-platinium Stereophonics' producer Steve Bush.
Ben Sparrow, The Easingwold
Advertiser |
Crosbi - Helayou
Heavy guitar riffs and pounding drum beats, perfectly complimented by drones vocals,
create the latest Oasis-style track from Crosbi. Plodding along comfortably, it builds
progressively up to the rocking chorus, which would be bearable and enjoyable if
it was not used so repetitively. However, this is compensated by the impressive guitar-led
instrumental, making this track a sound slice of mainstream rock.
Pam Bustard, The Easingwold
Advertiser |
CROSBI
KRUGER MAGAZINE
Okay, so hands up who's from a shit town?
Yeah, you may live in a city now but you still go 'home' occasionally to visit your
parents and seek out old friends, find yourself hardly recognizing the place and
ending up in the only pub left that isn't a slag-parade or an office party. It's
still the same in many ways but something has changed while you were away...
I'm from a shit town; still live there, no immediate plans to leave. There's something
keeping me here and it's not the bricks and mortarÖ it's the music. Wrexham has always
had some sort of a scene. We even have a rumour that the Beatles played here once.
Of course, it wasn't the Beatles it was the Quarry Men and even that is doubtful.
It's hard for us as a border town, you see? We are the town that time forgot. Too
Welsh to be English, too English to be Welsh. We find ourselves standing in the shadows
of our Scouse brothers, waiting for the clouds to part or the band-wagon to pass.
But that's not the case anymore. Years of city envy has turned into city pity. We've
made our own scene here and it's had to be real and believable if we are to be taken
seriously. Pedigree is not compulsory as bands like The Coral have shown us (Hoylake
is hardly Hollywood.) There's nothing wrong with the wrong side of the tracks. It's
not where you come from but where you're coming from. We're not reading about it,
we're living it. Without the bright lights of the city, we've learned to see in the
dark.
It's Friday 13th, unlucky for some but not for Crosbi, Wrexham's latest triumph.
They must be pleased, Crosbi are the real thing, a bona fide band of brothers. Only
one of them escapes the family tree and even his brother travels everywhere with
them. "Having two sets of brothers in the band makes things move along more
quickly. We can be more honest 'cause we know each other's language. Jamie has to
mediate sometimes. We've all scrapped." Talking to them, you get the feeling
they would never scrap with anyone. Lead singer Andy is the BFG, his good arrogance
is yielding. He listens, he speaks, he smiles. He knows they're onto something.
''I'm definitely positive about the scene. Bands from small towns have to work harder.
We're more organic, not so keen to jump on the band wagon. I'm not saying city bands
don't work hard but it seems like it's too much about fashion. A bit lacking in soul,
a bit lacking in musicality but with great haircuts. We're not trying to sell our
songs off the back of the drugs we take, just the weight of the music." Influenced,
not by a certain era but a certain attitude, the lads have been favoring the likes
of Echo and the bunnymen, The La's and Joy Division. "Amazing songwriters, amazing
bands that don't give a fuck what people think, they're just doing it because that's
what they do."
Living most of their lives in Holywell, Andy and his brother Steve (guitar) came
to Wrexham to study performing arts at the Sixth-form College, hooking up with Jamie
(bass) and fellow siblings Ben (drums) and Simon (keys / congas). "Loads of
people did that course. It was the only option if you wanted to be in a band."
And not have to work in a factory "The Benjaminsí (now 'Camera') did all the
ground work. Set a high standard for us all to follow and now only a few years later
it's getting really serious. Some of us are actually getting to make records."
Crosbi's debut single 'Sonny' came out on Monday 27th June. (Recorded at Stir studio
in Cardiff with their biggest fan - Clint Boon. They're playing at Clint's wedding
this autumn, with the Doves) Crosbi are in preproduction for their debut Album "Working
on the sound, evolving beats, making it more exciting. We want to make the best record
we can." And it won't be hard as their set tonight proves. They taunt the crowd
with "Nothing going on in a town like this" lyrics. Only, as they repeat
the chant again and again, each time with more fever and fire, you sense the irony.
They're what's going on in a town like this.
They finish the set with the Who's 'Substitute' a song which Andy tells me is timeless.
"That song came out in 1965, you know? It's the first punk song" At a time
when Julie Andrews was galloping the hillsides with nuns. The Who were writing timeless
classics. Disregarding the norm, taking the plastic spoon from their mouths and shoving
it right up the likes of Cliff Richard's arse.
With the single tour imminent, the lads prepare themselves for the future "I
donít know what's going to happen. Who can know? I know the plans we've made but
how it will all turn out is anyone's guess. I'm positive about it though. Really
positive."
www.crosbi.com
Laura Dickenson, Kruger Magazine |
DROWNED IN SOUND
Crosbi: Sonny
Considering Wrexham is only a few miles down the road from a British north east dripping
in musical mythology, there hasnít been much to smile about for the kids across the
Welsh border. That was until Crosbi landed on the scene, giving Wales a new
set of heroes. While everyone in Liverpool was busy sitting in The Coralís
corner, those in north Wales were sponging off the brows of their new idols.
So while youíre no doubt still scratching your heads in scepticism, bear in mind
that for many, Crosbi have already passed the first junction on the road to success.
Hailed by Radio 1 as the best unsigned band in Wales, the boys can finally scratch
the ëuní from that last statement. Their debut single oozes a confident and charismatic
stomp that clearly sets its stall out from the start. Itís like hearing The Laís
play with all the rough edges of 'Definitely Maybe'-era Oasis still
intact.
Andy Jones delivers his vocal laden with Welsh-Mersey vowels, sounding like
no other frontman around, while producer Clint Boon has sprinkled his good-time
vibes liberally across the entire two minutes and 50 seconds.
This is the Crosbi show. Make sure youíre part of their live studio audience.
Andy Robbins, Drowned in Sound |
|
