Crafty Simian - The Losing Game [Single]
 

It would be lazy of me to write off Crafty Simians debut release as charmless 'lad rock', so I'll dig a little deeper. Indeed, the song is so shallow it makes The Fratellis 'Chelsea Dagger' sound like 'The Carmina Burana' but that is not necessarily a bad thing. If a song has a decent hook, engaging lyrics and a cracking chorus then why does it also need to be a conceptual 20 minute odyssey concerning the rise and fall of ancient Japanese aristocracy?

I'd love to say The Losing Game displays all three but sadly there's just nothing here. The riff that open the song should be instantly recognisable, and the words should really bite but it all comes across as cut and paste indie rock. I seriously wouldn't be surprised if this whole track was constructed using preset loops in garageband. There is no dynamic at-all to the song, the lyrics are stock, the singer sounds uninterested in his own words (and who could blame him) and the chorus is practically non-existent. Matters are not helped in the slightest by the asinine guitar line which is repeated (yes I DID actually count because my time IS really that worthless) 20 times in just under 3 and a half minutes, I SHIT YOU NOT! It has to be one of the worse structural ideas in musical history to include it in EVERY SINGLE part of the song save for the chorus. On a positive note the lead guitarist appears to have some real talent and really shines in the bridge but it's too little too late and the messy production makes it almost impossible to hear either the vocals or drums over the scratchy, thoroughly unpleasant rhythm guitar.

I don't know how to say this without it coming across as a personal attack but to these ears Crafty Simians simply come across as chancers, a group of mates having a laugh. There is nothing wrong with that but whoever told these guys they needed to release a record is probably in this business for all the wrong reasons.

Not for me lads.

Re: Crafty Simian - The Losing Game [Single]
 

Haha i love garageband'ssss . Checked them out, not a fan either. I thought the vocalist sounded like an a-piece

Re: Crafty Simian - The Losing Game [Single]
 

okay, i took in what you said about this band and went and looked at their myspace... did you listen to the same band???? great "LAD ROCK" band with a big sound! the vocals and melody are very pistols and the guitars are a mix between the clash and the stone roses! to say this band are chancers and don't deserve a record deal is out of order and clearly the words of some SAD lonely guy who sits at home and wanks over nick drake! all i can say is 20 times!!!!!! you really counted how many times????? TIT! get a life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Crafty Simain good band who deserve a little bit more respect!!

And hardertheycome isn't from the ban is he!! LOL

Re: Crafty Simian - The Losing Game [Single]
 

well this pretty much confirms my estimations of crafty simian as a bunch of bottom feeding troglodytes. seriously i'm getting really sick of bands taking these reviews so seriously. it's my job to review what i hear and i didn't like it. GET THE FUCK OVER IT!

and whats wrong with nick drake?? and wanking for that matter?

Re: Crafty Simian - The Losing Game [Single]
 

Crafty simian here, we would just like to put our little bit towards this thread. We do appreciate everyones opinions of the band.

thanks

Greg

Re: Crafty Simian - The Losing Game [Single]
 

DAMAGE CONTROL!!!

Re: Crafty Simian - The Losing Game [Single]
 

well i have had to re register after being blocked for sticking up for bands! why cant the person who wrote this review just get over the fact that if someone does not agree with them it does not mean they must be from the band!!! good on these lads for having the balls to get involved in this forum and not get a little pissed at what has been said about them!
Helen xx
P.s. looked at their myspace did not see a girl in the band..... i will take a guess and say you will probably say im one of their girl freinds or worse one of the mothers!!

Um no one blocked you. We don't do things like that and are big on the
freedom of speech thing so in all honesty you must have forgotten your
password or something. Also, you are blatantly somehow close to the band it
is obvious in your response. There is nothing wrong with that and it's
great your sticking up for your band. Just don't try to negate someones
opinion. The reviewer received this without asking for it so it's not their
fault they don't like it. It just doesn't float their boat. With a
plethora of bands being sent to us for review everyday you really need to be
a stand out band these days and these guys were not that. A review like
this should make them work harder to be better.

Re: Crafty Simian - The Losing Game [Single]
 

okay you have just proven the point! I'm not involved with this band or any other band for that matter! i seen them play the other night in Edinburgh and decided to google them.. found this review and chipped in my thoughts but as i didn't agree with the review i must be in the band! very snobby site! if you don't like alternative opinions then don't use a forum!
H
X