Crashland - Interview It is simply gorgeous! Surprisingly, I am not referring to the edgy, yet driven energy of opening number Karaoke Ballad. The cause for the frenzied bout of salivation dripping from my tongue enters the fray at number two with considerable impact as Crashland may have just written the song of their lives. Spiked with a slightly bitter sentiment yet aching with a sense of wistfulness, Devotion hits you head-on as lead singer Alex Troup rues at what might have been: "My work here has dried I can't get my face into modern times. They said they love me but I should have taken the money. Devotion leaves like a last late train and says 'sorry'." There is considerable genius afoot here, the kind of genius that seems to roll off the tongue with considerable ease without perhaps the lyricist even recognising such brilliance. Such an impression is beginning to formulate as Alex Troup and Mark Childs (drums) seem slightly amazed by my observations and genuinely modest about the obvious talent running through their latest EP. "Devotion isn't strictly autobiographical," explains Alex whilst concentrating on the events happening down below at Bristol's dock area. "The song is partly about how celebrity picks up so many people and then ends up leaving them. I think celebrity is an interesting concept because celebrities use it and it [celebrity] ends up using them." Having been a part of the label that has witnessed the meteoric rise of Travis, Crashland, surprisingly, were dropped despite picking up some healthy reviews for their first album, Glued. "We were given our freedom to leave which, in all honesty, we leapt at the chance," says Alex referring to the recent severing of the band's tenure at independiente. "Having been at our previous label for three years, we are confident that we will get signed to another label knowing that we have written better songs." "Most of the bands who come back and are successful have generally been through a few labels - which seems to be the norm" responds Mark Childs. "It is the norm," interrupts Alex whose gaze remains transfixed on the happenings outside. "I would like to think the press are acutely aware of the pressure new bands are under. If you don't get a radio hit and you're signed to a major label then it's pretty obvious the writing is on the wall. I don't think the press are stupid enough to only reward bands signed to major labels; that is the beauty of the English press because they support unsigned bands or bands signed to indie labels." Despite the record company fallings, Crashland have retained an acidic sense of humour and remain refreshingly upbeat about their future prospects. In fact, the band is genuinely appreciative of indie label Sugar Shack Records offering a helping hand. "I was flattered that a local label was concerned that we hadn't released anything for a while," comments Alex regarding Sugar Shack's initial approach to license The Devoted EP. "We were looking to put something out and then tour on the back of it. So it was perfect timing when we received the call from Sugar Shack." "It's good to get a record out there for the fans who have stuck by us," says Mark. "To be fair, a lot of the fans have been checking our website which is great considering we've been inactive for the past seven months in terms of live dates. Without wishing to sound too cheesy, it's great to give something back with the release of our new EP." Having supported the likes of The Strokes during a recent festival date - with much praise being heaped upon their shoulders for their performance - Crashland, unsurprisingly, are presently full of vigour, brimming with confidence and ready to unleash their energetic guitar sound again after such a lengthy lay off. "I would like to think we've had our break," comments Alex facetiously. "I wouldn't want another sabbatical!" "We're coming back from retirement!" Mark finishes with a broad grin etched on his face. With the second coming of Crashland planned for October, The Devoted EP is a timely reminder of the potential this band still possess. Hopefully, any plans for next year's holiday have been well and truly shelved. Nathan Haines (Sugar Shack Records) Oct 2001