Step into the emotive universe of Crash Exhibition, where Patrick Hammond, despite his longing to emulate Freddie Mercury, forges his own path in music. From bashing biscuit tins in a boy band with his father to wielding a guitar in his teenage years, Hammond's musical evolution has been both eclectic and deeply personal. Drawing from a diverse range of influences spanning pop-punk, emo, folk, ska, and Britpop, Crash Exhibition explores the depths of human emotion and societal disillusionment. Dedicated to honest and vulnerable songwriting, Crash Exhibition unveils his anticipated sophomore album, Alright.
In the wake of the pandemic's turbulence and isolation, Crash Exhibition's sophomore album, Alright, emerges as a reflection of the collective emotional journey experienced during lockdown. With 11 tracks spanning a gamut of feelings and moods, Crash Exhibition transcends genre constraints to deliver a sonic narrative of his experiences.
"It goes from moody and personal to upbeat sounding pretty rapidly. "Most of it was written during lockdown so it kind of has the mad mood swings of that time. A huge chunk of it was written in one night as a kind of flowing idea. Loneliness, anxiety, isolation, break ups, breakdowns, nostalgia, and a hint of hope."
The album's diversity is immediately apparent from the opening track. "Tame" begins with the haunting strains of an accordion, evoking a sense of traditional Irish melancholy. As creative vocal harmonies intertwine with moving guitar notes, the track builds to a crescendo reminiscent of Pink Floyd's atmospheric soundscapes, setting the stage for the emotional journey that lies ahead.
The ska-infused "Forget You" acknowledges the dark thoughts and anxieties that can infiltrate the mind, yet transforms them into an ironically upbeat and dynamic anthem that invites listeners to embrace their inner turmoil with resilience and defiance.
Album Art: Gaetan "Azaazelus" Sahsah
The title track, "Alright," injects a dose of positivity into the album with its love-laden lyrics and infectious energy. Hammond's vocals soar over a backdrop of uplifting instrumentation, creating an irresistibly full sound that embodies the album's overarching theme of hope amidst adversity. "Play For Keeps" showcases a more vitalized approach, with angsty vocals and straightforward rhythms underscoring a commentary on the trials and tribulations of youth.
"Waving Myself Goodbye" offers a gentler, more introspective moment, with Hammond's darker, bellowing vocals laying bare his vulnerabilities in a confessional that spans over four minutes. In "Past Lives," Crash Exhibition delves into the depths of nostalgia, recounting memories from his youth while grappling with the passage of time and the person he once was. The track's introspective lyricism is underscored by a haunting melody that lingers long after the song has ended.
"Tidal Wave" bursts forth with energy and a catchy refrain, "But it feels, it feels,/Completely fantastic./ And it's real it's real,/But it's made out of plastic." In "Laika," Crash Exhibition shares another haunting memory from his past, weaving a narrative that is equal parts chilling and poignant. The track's wailing guitar solo serves as a visceral reminder of the artist's emotional depth.
"Still Here" infuses ska influences once again, delivering a message of resilience and gratitude amidst the darkness, sharing in his lyrics, "I'm so glad that I'm alive and breathing."
Next up, "Ticket" takes a grittier turn, with its political commentary on war and societal norms. Hammond's searing vocals serve as a powerful indictment of the systems that perpetuate violence and injustice.
The album closes with "Close," a desolate yet poignant track that leaves listeners with a sense of longing and melancholy. The accordion sounds fade into the distance, leaving behind a haunting echo of what once was.
LONG STORY SHORT: Crash Exhibition's Alright is a visceral journey through the complexities of the human experience, unfolding Crash Exhibition's stories and emotions in almost real-time as he works them out himself. With its raw honesty, diverse production, and reflective lyricism, Alright encapsulates a moment in time, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in Crash Exhibition's deeply personal narrative.
Stream Alright below!
Credits:
Written and Recorded by: Crash Exhibition (Patrick Hammond)
Drums:
Ryan Wasoba ("Ticket," "Still Here," "Laika," "Waving Myself Goodbye," "Forget You," "Past Lives"
Kevin Higuchi ("Play For Keeps," "Alright," "Tidal Wave"
Bass: John DeDomenici ("Tidal Wave," "Play For Keeps")
Produced: Joel August Hatstat (High Jump Media)