A gem of jagged, noirish electronica, Crooked Teeth’s latest single may channel a feeling of post-punk disillusionment in its downbeat guitar lines and cynical – yet sharply infectious – vocal, but there remains a fierce sense of joy in the song’s buoyant synths, percussive minimalism and voluminous freeform outro. Asserting that ‘The American Dream’ is really an illusion in the face of Trumpmania and soaring gun crime, the track reflects a state of weary scepticism towards the state of the political playing field but, through its savvy melodic ambience, still exudes the trance-like hedonistic air that has become Crooked Teeth’s calling card.
The seeds of Crooked Teeth germinated in Glasgow, where Rob and Jo met when playing and occasionally collaborating in their respective bands. Upon moving to London, this mutual respect blossomed into a formidable songwriting partnership and, once their friend Sam had been recruited on guitar, Crooked Teeth were in business.
Three years and numerous gigs later, a distinctive Crooked Teeth sound has evolved, utilising analogue electronics, big beats and psych pop in equal measure. Propulsive synth work and distorted guitar lines imbue the music with a powerful, driving euphony, while beatific production elevates it into the finest echelons of heady 3am big beat and club-savvy noise pop.
It’s a vibe that has drawn much praise, with the band’s self-released single, ‘Mirrors’, garnering radio play from Amazing Radio and enthusiastic words across the blogosphere. Lost In The Manor records, too, were hugely impressed and signed a deal with the band to release a debut double-A – ‘Mountain Song’ and ‘The American Dream’ – in 2018, recorded, mixed and produced, DIY style, by the trio themselves. Several key live showcases will further stoke the buzz around Crooked Teeth this summer, among them a prime Saturday slot at the Great Escape Festival.
See Crooked Teeth live
Fri 29 June: http://www.thefinsbury.co.uk
Links
https://soundcloud.com/crooked_teeth_uk
http://www.facebook.com/crookedteethuk
http://www.twitter.com/crookedteethuk
