by Paddy Kinsella

How I spent my morning perhaps best articulates the charm of Crake. Obsessed by tales passed down through generations and the implausibility of nature, Crake send you down rabbit holes. A burrow back through their back catalogue and social media this morning has me questioning – What is slimemould? What is glycerin? What does the phrase, ‘The owls are not what they seem’ mean? The title of their new song, Enough Salt (For All Dogs), is similarly curious, though unlike the other curiosities awoke in me this summer’s day, Google is on this search, fruitless.

No doubt a result of paths crossing – Crake toured with former Saddle Crake signees, Big Thief, last year – this is the Leeds quartet’s first release on Saddle Creek. What’s immediately apparent on Enough Salt (For All Dogs) is the ‘band’ mentality fostered on that tour. Previously a vehicle for singer Rowan Sandle’s songwriting, the brimming, finely welded textures are representative of a group where each member is keenly aware of what they bring to the party. The guitars sizzle like lightning bolts striking against an otherwise clear sky, while Sandle’s distinct, hoarse vocal plays like another instrument – peacefully co-existing amidst the fuzz rather than out in front as on previous recordings. The ambiguity of the song’s title may remain despite multiple listens, but Crake, now more than ever, know exactly who they are.

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