Crawl 'The Rockford Files EP' CD Review

LtoR: Tom Grondin | Stuart Green | Michael David Wolf | Scott Clark

Before I begin this review, I wanted to share a bit of Crawl’s history as many of you may not yet be familiar with this up and coming group. Crawl was formed in 1992 by Scott Clark and Tom Grondin. Guitarist Stuart Green joined the band soon after followed by vocalist Michael David Wolf to complete the lineup. Anthony Poto played guitar from 1995-1997.

In 2013, Scott, Tom and Stuart reformed CRAWL and were joined Michael David Wolf, formerly of Mind Mechanics, taking over vocal duties. The band wasted no time rehearsing and writing new music and started playing live in summer, 2013.

The band re-united initially to play a charity benefit in the name of Tom’s mother, Wendy. But they quickly realized they missed playing together and thought now was a good a time as any to see if they still had that creative spark to move forward. It didn’t take long to realize they did. The old material has been given new life and the new songs are true to CRAWL’s original vision of heavy melodic rock that defies categorization.

Crawl’s thoughts about the 'Crockford Files'

“Toronto/Windsor-based melodic heavy rock heavyweights CRAWL are back with a vengeance in 2016.

The quartet is following up the raw and thundering 2014 EP 'Anticipate The Fall' with 'The Crockford Files', a dark and textured release that captures the spirit, energy and confidence of a band exploring new horizons.

'Mine' is the EP's leadoff track and first single. It's a head-bobbin', foot- stompin' riff-tastic throw back to some of CRAWL's earlier songs like 'Clifford, Joel and Me' or 'Moment'.

The songs on 'The Crockford Files' were honed playing dozens of live shows between 2014 and 2016 with such international touring artists as Nothing More, Prong, Texas Hippie Coalition and Hellyeah and making it's first venture into the United States.

Recorded in the spring of 2016 at TRH Music Group with "Dr" Sean Gregory, 'The Crockford Files' features three newly composed songs and re-imaginings of two songs from CRAWL's back catalog.”

Now for the actual review of Crawl’s, ‘The Rockford Files’ EP. I dig it, a lot! There are both classic and modern elements within the songs themselves as well as in Mike's vocal tone. Mike's vibrato is quite honestly fascinating. The tunes are melodic yet chunky and hard-core. I would have to say that the lead off single, ‘Mine’ is my favorite on Crawl’s, ‘The Crockford Files” EP. They’re all great but that one in particular is very appealing to me.

As always, thank you all for reading and pick up your copy of Crawl’s, ‘The Crockford Files’ EP as soon as possible.

~ Evie Star

CRAWL Video: Crawl ATF iTunes Trailer