I've never been a fan of Crookers, but apparently this new album, appropriately called Tons of Friends, is going to be good and, erm, well, starred! The Italian duo are stepping away from the chainsaw type synths and are working on a new mix of techno and electro sounds that can get super heavy, but manages to remain away from that bleeding ears kinda noise. Come with me on a journey to listen to all the released songs from this album...I can guarantee you that they are - mostly - good.
Back in October, they released 'Put Your Hands On Me', featuring Kardinal Offishall and Carla-Marie. The single sounded like any other mainstream hip hop song, but not as catchy as you would like it to be. At least a nice 'shocking' video was created (as long as two lesbians grandmas are shocking).
Then, they gave away a new track featuring the likes of Soulwax and Mixhell (Founding member of Sepultura Iggor Cavalera plus wifey Laima) called 'We Love Animals' that's rather huge. Great drums, amazing synths and, of course, a genius step into the game of "real electronic music" as rave puritans like to describe their own tastes. Awesome!
Later, they asked for our favorite one hit wonder to bring her milkshake to their yards and 'No Security' was born. Kelis, big beats and dubstep synths actually look more exciting on paper than it does as an actual song. It's good, but kinda lacks spice...I'm pretty sure a great remix could be born somewhere out of this track though.
Now, they are releasing the first official single with the great trio Miike Snow that shows a completely different side to them. I think (and if I'm wrong please correct me) that this is the first listenable track of Crookers' career. Unfortunately the song could be much better than it is (any track off of Miike Snow's debut is bigger than this one), but I'll give it the thumbs up for concept.
The video shows two scenesters stealing stuff from old ladies and distracting people enough to create a logo for the Crookers' single. If you go Youtube it, there are some people discussing Nazism. Yeah, I also love Youtube comments!
So Crookers with friends is better than Crookers by themselves - though their ambition to make another 'Day 'n' Night' might kill the evolution of their songs and instead deliver what was a good idea with a blank result.
PS. I'm extra excited to listen to their next single which features The Very Best, Marina Gasolina and Dargen D'Amico.
