Crude Virtue: Digital

Finally, a revival of a proper punk sound i’ve been missing, a modern reinvention of days gone by.

Digital by Crude Virtue brings influence and familiarity to the table, with heavy leaning guitars, and a headstrong bass from Jeshua  Hill that invokes images of the American punk scene, think Iggy Pop/Stooges, but combined with modernity and social commentary on our dependance on the ‘Digital’, but also how complex navigating social situations can be, not only online but in person too, as the band state themselves, the single has taken inspiration from two of the band being neurodivergent.

Lead guitarist Hamish Orme and rhythm guitarist Liam Rust play off each other so beautifully, creating a sound that is overwhelming but powerful, tying the sound in with the lyrics meaning creates a relatability, but also make you understand how true the words are, it isn’t heavy for the sake of being irritating to people who might not get it, but it’s there to make you understand the situation - and this is executed to a degree which is commendable, the song is around three and a half minutes long, yet they cram in the best of themselves into it.

As always, I love everything the rhythm section is doing, on my first listen the part that struck me was Jeshua’s bass playing, but also their drummer, Evan Gerber-Hawkins, has a determined sound that compliments the heaviness of the track, making a rhythmic movability that isn’t quite danceable, but isn’t rigid.

As a four, the sounds tie in together into a sense of perfectly orchestrated chaos - the bands influences would most certainly be proud - especially as they’ve followed the punk formula immensely well, but used it in a way that crafts their own sound.

I’ve been aware of these guys for a while, and they constantly amaze me with their skills and showmanship. The new single, Digital, is out now, and available on all good streaming services, and make sure to check the band out on social media!