Crywank is the pseudonym of Manchester based singer-songwriter James Clayton, but you
already knew that. After releasing his sophomore album in 2012, Crywank has
embarked on a small European tour. To back this tour, he released an 11 track
tour demo album. It features re-worked versions of previous tracks with
additional percussion. Then there are the new tracks which may or may not
appear on Crywank's upcoming third album later in the year. Both
"Notches" and "I'm a Cliché" caught my ears on the first
listen. "Notches" for its flawless guitar sound and percussion.
Clayton delivers one of his typical vocals with lyrics revealing an even deeper
and sadder James Clayton. If "Welcome To Castle Irwell" was his
break-up, get back song... Then "I'm a Cliché" is his realisation and
acknowledgment of his basic instrumentation and music skill. His cynicism is
arguably stronger than tracks from his sophomore album.
"Notches", as seen above, is one of Crywank's strongest tracks to
date. Although the same three chord structures being utilised, it never quite
gets old. This repetitious is re-lived in the track "I'm a Cliché".
It follows a basic three chord pattern, with a simplistic percussion. Clayton
sings with honesty and conviction, singing: "Haven’t you heard this
one before, some person being sad over three fucking chords."
Clayton understands his genre and his musical ability, that's what makes
"I'm a Cliché" such a spectacular track. You can see Crywank on one
of his many European dates, I recommend liking his Facebook for info.
~Eddie
