Crailbone: The Band That’s Blending Genres and Building Community
Founded in late 2023, Crailbone emerged from the minds of two friends who shared a deep connection through music and writing. It was this shared passion that laid the foundation for what would become an exciting new act to hit the Australian hardcore scene. Initially, the band was just the two of them, but the early spark of creativity was enough to release their debut EP, Voideater. This bedroom DIY project, which is still available on Bandcamp, showcased the raw energy and heavy elements that would come to define Crailbone. Despite being a duo at the time, Crailbone was already carving out its identity, fuelled by their love for hardcore, surf/skate-punk, and grunge.
The Birth of Crailbone
As Crailbone grew into a full five-piece band, their sound evolved and expanded. What started as an explosive mix of heavy riffs and raw energy gradually became more refined and diverse, incorporating a variety of influences to craft something truly unique. The band kept its hardcore roots intact, but they began experimenting with shoegaze leads and berserk tones that added depth and complexity to their music.
This shift in direction culminated in their recent self-titled EP, which includes the standout track “Forever Blind.” The single received significant attention, even making its way onto Triple J, a major milestone for any Australian band. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and fans began to notice the evolution of the band’s sound, blending intense hardcore with moments of melodic introspection.
“We take influences from all over,” the band explained. “A lot of us share the exact same tastes, which drift from multiple stems of metal all the way to indie/pop and beyond.” This eclectic mix is what gives Crailbone its edge and makes their sound difficult to pin down—yet undeniably captivating. One fan even went as far as to describe their sound as “if Drug Church and Title Fight had a baby,” an observation the band found particularly interesting and humbling.
A Tight-Knit Crew
What’s especially powerful about Crailbone’s story is the bond between its members. The band’s founders have known each other since high school, and that long history has played a significant role in their success. Their chemistry—built on years of friendship and shared musical tastes—has been a driving force in their ability to craft music that feels authentic and genuine.
“It’s been a positive impact on the band,” they said. “We communicate like the same idiots we were back then, and we’ve played in various bands through the years, some of which supported acts like Born of Osiris, After the Burial, Suffocation, and Kataklysm.”
The band’s evolution as musicians has been mirrored by their growth as individuals. Their tastes have matured over the years, but they’ve always stayed true to their roots. That sense of camaraderie, mixed with a shared love of a wide range of musical genres, has helped Crailbone develop a sound that’s both uniquely their own and deeply connected to the genres they love.
Crailbone's Recent EP- My Thoughts
Having had the chance to listen to Crailbone's recent self-titled EP, I can confidently say that it’s a record with a lot of replay value. Even though the band mentioned they didn’t go through the process of recording demos for it, the EP feels incredibly well-structured and thoughtfully put together. Every track flows seamlessly into the next, creating a listening experience that is both intense and dynamic, but also accessible in its own unique way. The rawness of their sound blends effortlessly with the polish of their musicality, showcasing their ability to walk the fine line between chaotic and controlled.
Two tracks that really stood out to me are "Waves" and "Sleepwalker." These songs show a level of depth and musical intelligence that you don’t often hear in a debut EP. “Waves” pulls you in with its instantly catchy riff, setting a tone of intensity and urgency, but it’s the nuances in the song—those subtle shifts in dynamics—that give it an incredible amount of depth. The way the track transitions from heavy, mosh-pit inducing sections to more melodic and atmospheric moments shows a level of sophistication that belies the band's relatively short time together.
On the other hand, “Sleepwalker” proves Crailbone’s ability to really explore the emotional side of hardcore. This track is awesome, with layers of aggression, but also a sense of introspection that elevates the music beyond typical hardcore fare. The balance between the ferocity of the breakdowns and the introspective melodies creates a tension that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Both of these songs are absolute monster tracks, with enough complexity to make you want to return to them again and again.
The more I listened, the more I found myself drawn into the intricate layers of sound that Crailbone has woven into their EP. It’s clear that the band has worked hard to ensure every track packs a punch while maintaining the integrity of their unique sound. Even without demo tracks to guide them, this EP feels incredibly refined, and it’s one I’ll continue to go back to in the months to come. It's a statement of intent and a perfect example of what Crailbone is capable of. If this is just the beginning, I’m excited to see where they go next.
“We communicate like the same idiots we were back then, and we’ve played in various bands through the years, some of which supported acts like Born of Osiris, After the Burial, Suffocation, and Kataklysm.
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A New EP on the Horizon: Building on Momentum
Looking forward, Crailbone is not slowing down. The band is preparing to enter the studio in early February to begin demo sessions for their next EP. This time, they’re taking a more methodical approach to ensure the release reaches its full potential. They’ll be working with Jeremy Smith at LabSix, meticulously laying down tracks, fine-tuning their sound, and making sure everything aligns just right before they start the official tracking process.
“We didn’t go through the process of recording demo tracks on our self-titled EP, so we’re hopeful that this new approach will get everything sitting as perfect as possible,” they said.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Crailbone’s journey. The band has big plans for the future, and they’re already making waves with their distinctive sound and rapidly growing fanbase. As they continue to build on the momentum of their debut EP and recent successes, Crailbone is set to become a prominent name in the Australian scene.
A Community Focus: Connecting with Fans and Building Positivity
For Crailbone, it’s not just about the music. The band places a strong emphasis on community and the connection they share with their fans. They’ve always been committed to supporting those who need it most, whether it’s offering a helping hand to those struggling or fuelling the energy of those having a great day.
“Overall, we’d be stoked to see our music hit those who want to keep up a positive mindset or those who need to break the hell out of whatever state they’re in,” the band said. “Maintaining momentum for those having a killer day or offering a helping hand for those who aren’t would be rad.”
This sense of positivity and connection is at the core of Crailbone’s ethos. It’s not just about playing shows—it’s about building a community of like-minded people who can share in the experience, whether they’re moshing in the pit or reflecting on the deeper meanings of the band’s music. This focus on unity and inclusion is one of the things that sets Crailbone apart in an often chaotic and intense scene.
Looking Ahead: New Music and More Shows
As Crailbone continues to grow, they’re excited to get back out on the road and connect with even more fans. They’re already planning future shows and are eager to see both new faces and their loyal supporters at upcoming gigs.
With the new EP on the way, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation around the band. As they refine their sound and push the boundaries of what hardcore can be, it’s clear that Crailbone is on the cusp of something special.
Conclusion: Crailbone is Just Getting Started
Crailbone is a band with a clear vision, a tight-knit crew, and a sound that’s poised to take the hardcore scene by storm. From their DIY beginnings to their polished new material, the band has already proven they have what it takes to make a lasting impact. As they continue to evolve and create music that resonates with fans, Crailbone is definitely a band to keep an eye on in 2025 and beyond. With an exciting future ahead, we can only expect bigger things to come from this West Coast powerhouse.