Decibel is now streaming Deep User, the new, sophomore EP by CRUSHED. Out this Friday, April 14th, Deep User comprises six songs of crushing New York hardcore of the Cro-Mags variety, buried in a tomb of noise courtesy of Uniform guitarist Ben Greenberg’s production, and riddled with odd, transcendent melodic layers that elevate the music to a sphere beyond simple classification. Lyrically, frontman Fred Miketa keeps it real, venting his own real-life concerns as a single father getting by in the big city. He has said that hardcore saved his life as a kid and now, through Crushed, it is saving him for the second time.
Photo by James Hartley
He elaborates:
“When we set out to write Deep User the goal was pretty simple – write a fucked up hardcore record for someone who appreciates Blood For Blood as much as the Cocteau Twins. Lyrically, the EP is basically a narrative that shitty hardcore dad-types living in NYC may have experienced at one time or another: coming to terms with getting old and dying soon (and it not mattering)… Deep User, for me at least, channels the spirit of hardcore as it was presented to me so many years ago – doing something unique, in my own voice, that acts as an outlet for the horseshit we face every day. Maybe it’s emo or cliche, but hopefully there are some freaks out there that can relate and get it.”
“The metallic hardcore outfit’s EP bites hard, with more than enough riffs and mosh-worthy breakdowns to lose your mind to. It’s the noise rock elements that set Crushed apart though; each track has an extra, insane layer to it…”
–Decibel“A total thrasher, reminiscent of the likes of Cro-Mags and Sheer Terror, with a heavier bite… The EP was recorded by Uniform’s Ben Greenberg, who helped the band realize their potential for noise-laden riffs.”
–Clrvynt“While Uniform make harsh noise with a distinct influence from hardcore punk, Crushed kinda flip the formula… A punk crusher covered in a layer of static.”
–BrooklynVegan“Crushed’s battle scars come through loud and clear in their music… They do their great NYC hardcore forefathers proud.”
–MetalSucks“Imagine the sound of Deadguy playing AmRep-styled songs at a CBGB’s matinee, circa 1996, and you would be close to capturing the sonic fury of Crushed.”
–No Echo“What would happen if a college-educated version of the Cro-Mags were locked in their rehearsal space as it was set on fire… Crushed pumps out some of the best of what hardcore has to offer – not least of which is the vibe of authentic anger, frustration, and heartache that has always made the genre transcend itself.”
–Svbterranean
