Review: Crows

Following the release of their swaggering and introspective new album Reason Enough, London four-piece Crows have embarked on a highly anticipated European tour. The band, known for their intense live shows and post-punk sound, have received support from the like of 6 Music, Radio 1 and The Observer, so it’s no surprise The Exchange is packed for their first gig in Bristol in over two years.

The anticipation in the venue’s upstairs room is palpable. Crows have a strong connection to Bristol. Their debut album, Silver Tongues, was released in 2019 on Bailey Records, the label founded by Joe Talbot, frontman of Bristolian post-punk giants IDLES. This partnership helped cement the band’s ties to the city, and since then, Crows have supported IDLES on tour and shared stages with renowned acts like Wolf Alice, further expanding their following.

The show begins with an impressive light and sound display, a touch of theatricality that immediately elevates the atmosphere even further in the small, intimate venue. As the stage lights shift and the opening notes of Reason Enough reverberate through the room, the energy boils over. James Cox, the band’s commanding frontman, grabs the microphone with a fierce intensity, locking eyes with the crowd as if daring them to look away. The drums and bass hit with visceral force, shaking the room as Cox’s vocals soar above the sonic barrage.

Cox’s performance is captivating. Occasionally, he switches to a delay-drenched microphone, adding a haunting, echoing texture to his vocals, particularly during the chorus of the opening track.

At times, Crows’ sound draws comparisons to Joy Division, particularly in their brooding melodies and heavy, driving rhythms. Cox’s onstage presence often evokes memories of Ian Curtis, with his intense, almost trance-like performance style. This influence is especially evident during Vision of Me, a set highlight that fuses the gloomy, angular guitar lines of post-punk with a modern sensibility. The song’s infectious melodies and introspective lyrics cement it as one of the evening’s standout moments.

Other notable tracks from the night include Bored, Every Day of Every Year, and Lie to Me, each showcasing Cox’s knack for reflective and poignant lyrics. His words often feel like they’ve been pulled straight from a private diary, offering listeners a glimpse into his personal world. Yet, the themes he explores are often universal, touching on everything from the relentless churn of the news cycle to moments of full-blown existentialism.