cruush - 'Cotton Wool'
With its psychedelic feel and ethereal vocals, Manchester alt-rock risers have released their latest single, ‘Cotton Wool’ from the forth-coming EP set to release April 12.
Vocalist Amber Warren comments: “‘Cotton Wool’ is a song for all those treading water in their mid-twenties, capturing the essence of imposter syndrome and the sense of isolation that can accompany this stage of our lives. It speaks to a fear of not measuring up to expectations and the uncertainty of trying to navigate early adulthood.”
This song echoes influences from Wolf Alice, Wet Leg and Sky Ferreira, blending elements of shoegaze and grunge sounds. It also showcases vocals akin to Ferreira's, offering that gritty and feminine interpretation of grunge vocals. This track is set to become a favourite among fans of the early 2000s grunge and alternative scene, likely to leave listeners eagerly anticipating their EP, which is just around the corner! It's great to witness bands embracing music that held such resonance two decades ago and adding a contemporary twist to it.
Beyond their musical talents, this four-piece band effortlessly connects on a personal level. Creating something genuine and pride-worthy becomes more challenging when working with people you don't get along with. However, the close friendship evident in their Instagram posts demonstrates that they are a tight-knit group who genuinely appreciate each other's talents and seamlessly blend together musically. This allows them to connect with their audience on a deeper level, as they emphasise they are simply a group of friends in their twenties who share a passion for creating music.
Guitarist Arthur Boyd recalls: “the entire song tumbled out of an open tuning I was playing on a 12-string. We instantly had the same sonic vision.”
In addition to the inherent juxtaposition in their sound, they skillfully weave a thematic narrative that draws from both whimsical, head-in-the-clouds humour and the mundane aspects of reality: “The EP title comes from a bit we were doing in the car, a Trumpian/Saul Goodman style character selling you the promise of ‘nice things now, all the time’, contrasting with the dreary reality of our lives in the city. We’re all skint, overworked, bored and just want ‘nice things now, all the time.’”
Again, this serves as an example of the band striking a chord with their audience. They craft music centred around themes that resonate with people. What person in their 20s isn’t skint and overworked nowadays?
Establishing a connection with a band goes beyond simply liking their music; it involves being able to relate to the messages they convey. This band is certainly on the right path to creating an engaged and active following by creating music that resonates and fosters a connection with their listeners.
When it comes to the live shows, cruush have gained supports with NewDad, BDRMM, The Lounge Society, Pale Blue Eyes, Far Caspian, Priestgate and Ian Sweet, while selling out hometown headline dates at Gullivers & YES.
Words by Emily Fletcher
