We find ourselves in very troubling times. With the rise of the far-right in America, Europe and beyond, as well as governments worldwide becoming increasingly draconian, it is a welcome relief to see people kicking back against the system. Increasing amounts of bands and musicians across many genres are wearing their opinions and politics on their sleeves and standing up as openly anti-fascist. Adding to this rising crop comes Lewis Clark and his one-man punk project Cranstøn, with the latest EP The Price To Survive.
The first thing that needs to be said about this EP is that is powered by pure, righteous anger. Over six tracks Clark blasts through any target that comes in his way, from media bias to the right-wing government’s attack on working class and minority communities. All of this is delivered over a wall of sound that touches on black metal and industrial soundscapes but with a pure punk vocal delivery. The production is really on the basic side but this doesn’t get in the way of the music.
The EP ends with a gloriously skuzzed-up cover of Hatebreed’s ‘Perseverance’ that ends The Price To Survive on an awesome high. If you are a fan of the current wave of anti-fascist music then it is well worth your attention.
The Price To Survive is out now and can be purchased here.
Words: Nathan Tyler
