Crast is a four-piece from Barrie, Ontario, whose guitar rock follows no particular style, but rather blends a variety of sub-genres, such as Math rock, emo, progressive metal, and powerpop. Their latest single, ‘Swimming’, from their ‘Soundgoods’ EP, shows everything Crast has got and what they stand for in three and a half minutes: unusual chord shapes, unexpected melodies, provocative lyrical ideas. Crast don’t hold to any particular formula when it comes to writing songs, and ‘Swimming’ is the perfect example of this. Opening with a tight introduction with a nod to soft rock, it then veers towards punk in the verses, and finishes up with a full-metal break, which feels as though it’s straight of out a 70s classic. Despite seemingly being all over the shop, ‘Swimming’ is nonetheless seamless in its execution, which is as much down to the musical accomplishments of all four members.
The video, shot by Chris Franchetto, exhibits their evident ease in front of the camera, capturing the band in performance, and showing what their local fans know all too well: Crast are brilliant live. Drummer Zach Franchetto is unusual in that he’s also the lead singer, but he is effortless in his delivery, leading from the stool with passion and precision. With a title like ‘Swimming’ you’d expect some watery action, and there is definitely that, with the musicians completely submerged at one point, allowing Chris to use some psychedelic aquatic effects, including a purple submarine light, which make air bubbles look like floating confetti.
Watch the video for ‘Swimming’ below. You can follow Crast online on Twitter.