The Crawling // What We Leave Behind // EP Review

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In 2018, I reviewed the second release by Northern Ireland band The Crawling, and I remember being impressed and excited for what came next.

Then, in 2023, I covered the follow-up, All Of This For Nothing, and was equally impressed.

Now I have the opportunity to review the band’s latest EP. First things first, the EP is two tracks that span around 11 minutes and is based around the concept that the past is behind us; don’t waste time thinking about what has been and what could have been.

The opening track ‘A Song to Nurse the Sickness’ starts with a heavy and string guitar sound before a delightful chug and an almost Gojira–esque riff, before a stripped-back and moody as fuck section where a gravelly and bitter vocal begins to narrate.

This more minimalist approach allows the guitars to really hit and take effect. Matched with the lyrics, it creates that atmosphere.

Things don’t stay quite so bare, however – there is a Black Metal element to the downtuned, almost funeral feel, and it’s a warm-up for what’s next.

‘Bound to the Negative’ is next up, another melodic, atmospheric opening joined by a cleaner vocal. This feels like a beautiful, melancholy offering that will resonate with everyone who listens. Let’s be honest, we can all relate. The Crawling makes thought-provoking, emotional music that narrates our thoughts! This is a stunning track and really reverberates in the mind. You won’t just be one with the track as it plays; it will also stir a part of your mind we rarely activate because we shut it off to protect ourselves. Be prepared for this earworm to echo in your subconscious for a while.

So can 2 tracks really leave you feeling fulfilled? Usually I’d say no, but here they are more than 2 tracks. They are mind-engaging and emotionally stimulating songs you have to hear to understand. They are as atmospheric and solemn as they are beautifully painful, and they deserve a lot of applause.

What We Leave Behind is out now via Grindscene Records.

Review: Ed Ford