crushed no scope (bonus track) [ARTPL-242] Japan Music CD

Product Description
Synopsis: A nostalgic yet fresh and exciting dream pop album incorporating elements of trip-hop, Britpop, electronica, and US alternative! This is the debut album from crushed, a duo picked up by Ghostly International. The Japanese edition includes all six tracks from their EP "extra life" as bonus tracks! Following the success of their EP "extra life," Ghostly International signed Bre Morell, frontman of Temple of Angels (Run For Cover Records), and Shaun Durkan, former member of Weekend (who released music on Slumberland) and producer for Topographies, Young Prisms, and others, to the dream pop duo crushed. Their long-awaited first full-length album is finally complete. Morell, originally from Texas and now based in Los Angeles, and Durkan, residing in Portland, Oregon, record in separate locations without being tied to a specific place. They create the music they want to hear, based on a shared taste in trip-hop, Britpop, electronica, and 90s alternative radio staples, a yearning for emotional expression, and an intuition for spotting moments that sound right and honest and hold true meaning for them. They weave melodic and heartwarming hooks, labyrinthine breakbeats and sound design, with unprecedented immediacy and clarity. 'no scope' follows their first collaborative EP, 'extra life' (the Japanese edition includes tracks from this EP as bonus tracks). 'extra life' was originally released in 2023 but garnered significant support, quickly gaining fans through media outlets like Pitchfork and NPR, leading the band to sign with Ghostly International and receive a physical release in 2024. Crushed then played their first live show in the UK in early 2025, refining new songs and live arrangements towards completing the album. Written through a slow, simmering breakout, this album shows the band refocusing, refining, leveling up, and pushing forward to fulfill the promise of 'Extra Life'. The two began writing songs remotely, then alternated sessions at their respective homes and at the home of co-producer and mixer Jorge Elbrecht (who has worked with Japanese Breakfast, Hatchie, Weyes Blood, No Joy, etc.). This was a first for them, as they had previously done entirely self-production. Elbrecht brought an exceptional sense of melody and structure, helping to narrow down dozens of demos. "Jorge was very supportive of our ideas," says Durkan. "We are really grateful that he was on the album. Without him, it wouldn't have sounded this great." The group united in their pursuit of a deeper, more faithful, and more captivating sound. "We really wanted to push it to the absolute limit," says Durkan. "When it's pop, be thoroughly pop; when it's dark and heavy, be even darker and heavier." While 'Extra Life' used distortion and found sounds to create atmosphere, this album samples layers of guitar, bass, and synth from unused demos, constructing a world with collage-like compression. It is reminiscent of J Dilla's 'Donuts,' which also served as inspiration for the mix. Of course, the beat is the backbone, weaving a dazzling sound that moves between Madchester acid house, Aphex-esque ambient abstract, drum and bass, and Chemical Brothers-era big beat electronica. Their breakthrough resonates beyond sound, and Morel dominates the space with unwavering conviction. Her powerful and dynamic vocals set this band apart from other dream pop bands of her generation. Her powerful, front-facing vocals, reminiscent of the intense hooks of Harriet Wheeler and Jeff Buckley, propel her voice through the mix. Her voice is truly an ideal partner. Durkan contributes soft, narrative verses to several tracks, providing a balanced and broader perspective. The two share songwriting responsibilities, resulting in a fluid work where lyrics and melodies intertwine and merge. Throughout the album, they skillfully weave together high-energy arcs ("meghan," "celadon"), mid-tempo ballads ("heartcontainer," "licorice," "silene"), and moody passages (various outros and the interlude in "airgap"), creating a gripping tempo that reflects the numerous successes and failures of skillfully building relationships while indulging in self-absorption. A bittersweet atmosphere permeates the entire album as the band grapples with choices that shape their destiny and their lives. In the opening track, "exo," Morel brings a premonition to life. "I had a feeling this wouldn't be a good ending. But I just couldn't give up." To the shuffling breakbeats, she sings to a sky where stars briefly line up. "Just sweet / I've lost my mind / I wish this state would continue / at least for one night." "Cwtch" is a crossroads of pop splendor, a whirlwind of self-destruction, and a druggy mood. "Starburn" paints the abyss of despair with its rumbling bass and wavering guitar lines. At the heart of this album is "oneshot," which Morel calls a "poisonous love song" that she wrote while repeatedly losing boss battles in "Metal Gear Solid." "I thought it was the perfect allegory to express staying by someone's side as they slowly kill themselves." More of a culmination than a debut, this work is refreshingly vulnerable and sophisticated. It is a contemporary work by two artists navigating the crossroads of life in real time. Furthermore, the Japanese edition is a complete version with the EP "extra life" added as a bonus track! Track List: 01. exo 02. starburn 03. cwtch 04. heartcontainer 05. oneshot 06. airgap1 07. meghan 08. licorice 09. silene 10. weaponx 11. celadon 12. airgap2 Bonus Tracks (extra life) 13. waterlily 14. coil 15. milksugar 16. bedside 17. respawn 18. lorica Media reviews and more A nostalgic yet fresh and exciting dream pop that incorporates elements of trip-hop, Britpop, electronica, and US alternative! The debut album from crushed, a duo to watch out for, picked up by Ghostly International. (C)RS