Over the last year and a half band members Jarrod Alonge (creator of Sunrise Skater Kids), Lauren Babic (Red Handed Denial) and Patty Walters (As It Is) have been discreetly working on a side project together, otherwise known as a new band called CrazyEightyEight.
They launched a Kickstarter in January of 2018, to gain support for what is now their debut album. With over 1,000 backers, the band was able to successfully fund the project. Over the course of the year, very little has been reported on the album and as a backer myself, I was a little skeptical as to if the project still existed. Due to all members being in other bands/working on other musical projects as well as touring to promote their other records, it's understandable and expected that communication would be stalled during production. During this time they released three EPs, two dedicated to covering songs from artists such as The 1975, Thirty Seconds To Mars, Slipknot. Halsey and more. Their third release contains four new original songs and is entitled No Words Spoken.
Once November hit, the number of updates went from very few to frequent and contained announcements regarding new music videos, single releases and the ever anticipated album title/release date. Those who backed the band could finally be excited for what may be potentially the last music drop for the year and what better way than to go out with a bang?
On December 14, all the anticipation from fans was relieved when Burning Alive hit streaming services, and boy was it worth the wait. The best words to describe the sound of this album are explosive, hardcore, punk and incredible. For the type of genre this album falls under, I couldn't be more in love.
I'm not one who usually likes listening to hardcore alternative music, however, over the last year my musical tastes have expanded greatly to where a little bit of screaming doesn't bother me as much anymore. I still don't like a lot of screaming but a little bit I don't mind. When I Initially saw the music video for 'Shinebox', I wasn't sold right away and wondered if backing the project was a mistake. However, after revisiting the band later on in the year and listening to the song over and over again I'd be lying if I didn't say it grew on me with it now being one of my favorite songs. I think listening to bands such as As It Is, Assuming We Survive, Capstan, Hail The Sun and other similar bands helped me get used to the musical style.
I highly recommend listening to this band. Not because it has one of my favorite artists in it, but because they bring post-progressive punk/alternative music to the next level. They're loud, but in a way that catches the listeners attention. Those who like listening to and/or are fans of Picturesque, Awaken I Am, Too Close To Touch, Dangerkids or Youth in Revolt will enjoy this band.
