Crobot – Crobot [EP]
Release Date: May 13, 2014
Wind-Up Records
Pennsylvania’s very own Crobot is finally getting their due and getting the chance to let the world know that they have arrived. When I first heard their 2012 debut “The Legend of the Spaceborn Killer” I remember thinking to myself that I was hearing one of the greatest new, up and coming bands today. All I could do was wish and hope that someday these young fellas would get the opportunity to show the world just what it was I was hearing myself. My hopes and wishes came true in 2014 when Crobot announced the release of their Wind-Up Records debut in the form of a self-titled EP.
Crobot made some significant changes since the last time I had laid ears on them. The band swapped out their rhythm section for the brother team of Jake (bass guitar) and Paul (drums} Figueroa and after listening to this EP (and seeing them live twice) I can tell you that this change is exactly what Crobot needed to carry them to the next level. For this EP the band opted to re-record the song “Legend of the Spaceborn Killer.” I have to be honest, I’m usually not a fan of bands doing this but in Crobot’s case it was absolutely necessary because this version is so much more cosmic, stratospheric, and off the charts than the original version ever was. Leading right into “Nowhere to Hide” finds the brothers Figueroa laying such a heavy solid foundation allowing guitarist Chris Bishop to unload his soulful, groovy, stanktastic riffage without any reservations.
“La Mano de Lucifer” is without a doubt the highlight of this offering. This song really showcases the versatility, depth, and power of Brandon Yeagley’s vocals. This song is so full of depth and dynamics and it reminds me of a lost Mother Love Bone song. If I ever had to guess what Mother Love Bone would’ve sounded like if they listened to more Black Sabbath and did more pot than heroin this song would be it to a “t.” Closing the EP with the skull crushing “Skull of Geronimo” was such a great way to go out. That monstrous riff. Those harmony vocals. That hook that just grabs you by the balls so hard you turn your head and cough. When that song ended I was elated yet it totally pissed me off. FOUR SONGS? Are you fucking kidding me? Give me more Crobot damnit!
If Crobot’s intention was to give you an introduction to the band and to leave you wanting more, then they succeeded. Crobot did more in a 4 song EP that most bands can barely do in 3 times the number of songs. In a time when bands are putting out albums full of fluff and filler, Crobot cuts the fat and gives you four solid songs free of filler and fluff for you to take straight to your face. If this EP is any indication of what Crobot will have to offer us when their full length comes out I can rest assured that we will be seeing album of the year material without a doubt.
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