Review Summary: Blistering debut from Plymouth melodic punk rockers
Rarely does an album of such blistering intensity come along that you find yourself so totally immersed in the sound you can do nothing but listen, the kind of album that refuses to just be played along in the background. “Born to Ruin”, the first full-length offering from Plymouth four-piece Crazy Arm does just this, a full 49 minutes 14 seconds of pure musical energy.
Opener “Asphalt” sets the tone for the rest of the record as a funky bass and drum intro entices you into a rush of intense riffage, that doesn’t abate throughout the length of the album. “Desire Lines” flows blissfully between gorgeous gentle melodies and crunching riffs whilst “Still to Keep” is quite simply huge with its anthemic sing-a-long chorus. A brief respite is offered in “Born to Ruin”, but the chance to catch your breath is only brief on this more mellow track before it eventually builds to its epic climax.
Political themes punctuate throughout (“This is no-one’s land / Everybody has no country, no gods, no masters”), which isn’t surprising given that “the band are all vegetarian/vegan, internationalist and atheist; identify with human and animal rights struggles; and support the efforts of grass-roots activists worldwide.” Whether or not political activism floats your boat, there’s no denying it adds an extra dimension to the album and the band’s passion and energy comes across in the music.
The intensity that characterises this album runs right through to the end, especially in the sublime “International Front”. The album closes with the crushing “Reassure Me” followed by magnificent finale “Christ in Concrete” which winds its way through eerie acoustic-led atmospherics, interweaving melodies and crashing riffs to round off what is truly a memorable album.
There is honestly never a dull moment on “Born to Ruin”, it is totally absorbing from start to finish. This is a dramatic, intelligent and impressive debut from Crazy Arm, who will surely enjoy great success if they continue producing brilliant albums like this.
