Over the last few months a series of singles and EPs have been floating into the office. Add then together and you’ve got a really good album (a double album even…) from singer/songwriter Lupen Crook. At Shakenstir, we welcome artists with an original slant and quirkiness. Crook is one such artist who also just happens to sing about the things that I can relate to, and is the personification of ‘independence.’

The first EP that appeared is entitled Petals Fresh From Road Kill, and as soon as the first track started I knew that there was something special about to happen. Lucky 6 is devoid of fancy production dressing and manipulation. The guitar sounds like a guitar, and Crook’s voice is raw and one of the most expressive I’ve heard. The song is darker than dark, with a tangible melody and lyrics which make one sit up and listen: “…because a broken heart is one you can trust…. J – For Julian Sleeps is less aggressive, less in-your-face, but just as compelling. Matilda V is a more contemplative tune and a prime example of how guitar and voice can work in total unity to deliver a message. There’s four more songs on this EP that confirm that Crook is not your ordinary singer/songwriter – I’ve really not heard anything as compelling or as brutal. He’s like a horror movie with dreadful scenes that you don’t want to see but always crane your neck to catch sight of. In short, this guy is extraordinary. The next record I received was a single called Halloween which took my breath away. The melody is superb as is the added string section which adds an intense sense of drama to the proceedings. The second song has a simple piano backdrop as Crook’s voice turns almost childlike as he describes sexual frustration. Once again there’s an extremely solid melody and a voice that demands to be heard as it explodes out of my speakers.

The final record was another EP entitled Love 80. The title track includes a jagged bass line, strings and some very weird backing vocals. It’s another brutally aggressive song underpinned by a strong melody, and it’s fucking amazing! Washing Blood is a more wistful sounding tune with delicate finger-picked guitar accompanying Crook in a never-ending circle of lyrical complexity. The musical brutality returns with Blood Letter Baby which is punctuated by the most aggressive bass line, and Latin style guitar. The concluding Junk ‘n’ Jubilee is a strongly rhythmic song that’s intensely mocking as Crook’s voice takes a more theatrical route. And it sounds like a Southern Italian peasant song, similar to the ones that featured in the party scenes of THE GODFATHER movie.

Lupen Crook is a singer/songwriter who paints graphic musical landscapes that are unique, compelling and sometimes brutal. And while his style and delivery are unlike anything else you have heard, there’s a melodic sensitivity displayed in every song that makes them highly accessible and involving. I am frankly blown away by the artist and his music, and can’t wait to witness a live performance. Essential.

5/5