Roger Deering, the frontman of Crymwav, speaks to Jason Barnard about how his new project emerged from previous group Smash Fashion. However, Crymwav takes a darker path, as evidenced by their debut music video American Carnage from new EP 24/7.
Can you tell us about the formation of Crymwav and how it differs from Smash Fashion?
Crymwav came together about a year and a half ago. Previous to that, Stuart and I had decided to try to find a new rhythm section and put together the fifth Smash Fashion LP. I had a bunch of songs written since the last LP and we wanted to get a rehearsal space and get tight as a band again. We went through multiple rhythm sections. At one point we thought we had found a really good bass player that fit, but he ended up going to prison on federal charges! We had no idea that was going on. So that fell apart. I’m good friends with bass player Scott Reiner (Goatsnake, Sonic Medusa), and one night he asked me what was going on with the band. When I told him, he said he’d like to come down and play. He brought drummer Greg Rogers (The Obsessed, Goatsnake) with him. We started to play together, and it just took off musically wise. Long insane jamming with everyone showing what they got musically. Heavy, more urgent, and aggressive sounding… poof, a new band was born.
As far as how Crymwav differs from Smash Fashion… first and foremost, Crymwav is more of a guitar-oriented hard rock band. Harder rhythmically. Smash Fashion was a rose-colored set of sunglasses, Crymwav is mirrored shades! There were hints at this direction in Smash Fashion. Smash Fashion was a very fun-loving band… I formed that band after finally getting clean after a 13-year heroin addiction. I was on a pink cloud, happy to be alive and getting another chance at life and music. For me, it was a very celebratory band musically. Crymwav is more urgent and very driven by more punk aesthetics. I’ve gone back to what drove me to play music when I first started… and what I was listening to then. I feel reborn musically.
The debut track, American Carnage, from the EP 24/7 has a darker and more sinister sound compared to Smash Fashion. What inspired the shift in style?
I find it tough and direct and urgent. No fucking around. More in the vein of the MC5. (Matter of fact, in the video I’m wearing an MC5 wristband that Mike Davis (RIP) gave me… I wanted the mojo. It’s full-tilt Rock And Roll with a message. This song came into the set early, but it was another song called “Armed And Dangerous” that seemed to spark the shift and direction. It felt fresh to both Stuart and me… It felt like we were onto something, and I let the music dictate the direction. It’s a blast of fury on how we’ve let our society become accepting of mindless violence. It feels of a failing society.
How did you come up with the name Crymwav and what’s the significance behind its pronunciation?
We were kicking around different ideas for a band name. Always so hard to do. We had a song in the set called “Surfing A Crymwav”. And for me, that song seemed to encompass a lot about who we were and what our musical statement is. The spelling was maybe a way to make it completely all ours. Kinda hooliganish, bit Slade, bit o Clockwork Orange… or bad grammar!
Tell us about the creative process behind 24/7 – What were the main influences and themes that shaped the EP?
The EP was recorded in our rehearsal room downtown Los Angeles. Room 247. We basically miked up everybody in there with cheap mics and recorded tracks. We wanted to keep it raw and in your face. This particular group of songs represents what the band was sounding like in our formative stage. As well as the cover of “Walking barefoot over glass“, we also tracked an Angel City song, “No Secrets” (hope to release that at some point!). Three of the songs on the EP were written when I was in London last year. I brought my guitar and stayed in Ladbroke Grove. I wanted to soak up the vibe there… tried to channel The Clash, Motörhead, and Hawkwind. The common denominator in the band is we are all around the same age, came into the music world around the same age. And all started out in the American hardcore scene of the early ’80s. So it seems there’s a vibe going musically… everything from Sisters Of Mercy to UFO, from Hawkwind to Joy Division, The Damned to Thin Lizzy…. NWOBHM to The Pretenders… stuff we loved starting out as younger musicians. I think we came up with a kick-ass rock record that checks all the right boxes… for me it does anyway.
The video for American Carnage was filmed at Media Pollution in East LA. Can you share some insights into the visual and artistic aspects of the video and its connection to the music?
We thought that TV monitors were a good representation of the media… and how it desensitizes, conditions. It exploits, it feeds propaganda… The all-seeing eye… The primarily red screens signify blood and tension. Plus the simple fact that it was a very cool place to shoot a video!
You mentioned that the EP is more guitar-oriented. Could you elaborate on the musical direction and what we can expect from it?
Most definitely more guitar-oriented. This band has a Marshall power amp sound. Stu and I both are playing through Marshall 900s and both using the same model cabinet. It’s a very powerful but controlled sound. Kinda like Judas Priest in the ’70s. The fact that we are such different players really makes it work. He’s the fluid lead guitarist with the insanely creative guitar toppings, to complement my rude and rhythmic guitar playing. I feel I’ve finally earned Stu’s respect as a guitarist after all the years of playing with him. He’s phenomenal.. one of the greats… so of course I was intimidated by him musically for a long time. But now it’s a genuine guitar chemistry that came about after years of him and I playing music together. I really would like Stuart to get the recognition he deserves as a guitarist. He’s playing on the Smash Fashion records is incredible. But he really gets to go off in Crymwav… gonzo guitars are welcome! Crymwav is very diverse musically while still retaining the vibe. There’s also a very powerful, experimental, improvisational side to us that I want to capture on tape. I’m a huge fan of “Kraut rock”. Most of our first full length is done but songs are still popping up… my muse is hot…
How did the new rhythm section in Crymwav come together and influence the band’s sound and dynamics?
As stated earlier, Greg Rogers, our kick-ass fantastic drummer, came in with bassist Scott Reiner. They had a bond as a rhythm section as they were both in doom/stoner metal bands Goatsnake and Sonic Medusa together. Commitment issues led to Scott leaving. Bummer as it was sounding really fresh and heavy. Stuart and I felt a chemistry with Greg. He liked what he was hearing and we decided to keep moving forward. I always liked him and knew him back in the early ’90s as his band at the time (The Obsessed) shared a rehearsal space with my band The Drills at the notorious Hollywood billiards building. His powerful straight-ahead drumming really drives the band, and every single hit, thud, crash, kick is with total conviction. I feel that if things don’t get Greg’s approval, then that’s that. He’s a no bullshit type of dude. I love that about him. Bruce Braddock came into the band because I have a really long history with him also. A kick-ass bassist, he’s very musical, and he had a Rickenbacker bass! Another sonic essential In the Crymwav sound! The bass is very, very prominent in the sound. Bruce played in my first real band, the Drills (as a rhythm guitarist, I was the bassist/vocalist), and moved to LA with the Drills from Miami, Florida in 1987. We’ve been friends since we were 16 years old. He’s a rock soldier and also a no bullshit kind of guy. Both these fellas have a southern musical quality and mentality that is the backbone of the band. They keep me in line! The heavy rhythm section, with my garage glam guitar and Stuart’s NWOBHM stylings is chemistry.. lucky we are.
As the world continues to evolve how does the current global climate affect your songwriting and musical choices?
Absolutely… American Carnage. Dark days.. dark deeds. I’m living in a country that is more and more divided than I’ve ever seen in my lifetime living here. Fascism is creeping in. American politics are infiltrated with religious zealots, dictating laws for the rest of the country. We have rampant gun violence. Covid used as a political tool to also divide. I certainly don’t recognize this place anymore and feel like a stranger in a strange land more and more every day. I do love this country, but it’s hard to watch what’s going on. Plus also I’m at a stage in my life, as are the other guys, where time is more urgent and more precious and more valuable than ever. We are watching our friends die, our musical heroes die. Rock culture is fading out. All this stuff definitely has an effect on the sound and the songwriting, that’s the whole reason why Stuart and I decided to start fresh with Crymwav… It wouldn’t be true to ourselves if we didn’t follow the muse.
What can fans of Smash Fashion look forward to in Crymwav’s music?
I loved Smash Fashion… but dear god there was so much heartbreak involved! However, I’m very proud of what we did musically. And the chemistry of Stuart, myself, Scarlet, and Repo was special. In fact, for me, Smash Fashion was over when Repo moved back to Finland. He was irreplaceable. In a perfect world, someone would reissue those records and give us a contract to make another record! So it’s never say never. I’d like to think that there’s a direct connection to Crymwav not only in my songwriting/vocals but with Stuart’s fantastic guitar work. There are songs on Rompus Pomous that hinted at a heavier direction: Wolves of Wonderland, Gentle Hand, Runs in The Family, and Smiles and Daggers could fit in with us currently. One thing’s for sure, Crymwav will never be generic and like Smash Fashion, fearless musically. Despite Crymwav being heavier and darker, we still wanna have some fun before the whole shithouse goes up in smoke!
Lastly, what’s next for Crymwav after the release of 24/7 And how do you envision the band’s future in terms of creativity and live performances?
Well, we are currently tracking more songs to have a full-length album finished by spring 2024. Stuart got into an accident and broke his shoulder, so soon as he’s able, we want to get out there and start playing. It’s why we wanted a rehearsal space. To put together a killer set and make it tight and take it out there. The material is still coming in, and there’s already a backup of songs. That’s never been an issue with me. We want to get to Europe and the UK. Here’s hoping lady luck will deal us a better hand! Let me say thank you Jason for having me on board. I love the Strange Brew site, and it’s an honor to be here! Thanks for helping spread the word… there’s a Crymwav coming! Cheers.
