Long Island natives Staleworth and Crash the Calm have recently released a split EP, available now via Downport Records! Blending elements of emo, hardcore, grunge, and ambient rock, both bands have created emotional and heavy-hitting tracks that are guaranteed to resonate highly with old fans and new listeners.
New York natives Staleworth have built a strong foundation for themselves after establishing a large hometown following and releasing a well-received 2016 EP, Covalence, which centers around a breadth of human encounters from heartbreak to widespread corruption of power. Their two brand new tracks ‘That’s Not My Wallet’ and ‘Monster’ take the listener on a journey that begins softly and subdued with anxious questioning of self and confusing circumstances, then eventually crashes and wails with cries of resolution.
Rounding out the later half of the EP are Long Islanders Crash the Calm. The band entered the scene in December of 2014 after its members decided to make meaningful music as a cathartic personal release and as a means of connection to and between their listeners. The band released their debut album, How’ve You Been?, in May of 2017, and are excited to share their follow-up recordings in this new EP. In their two tracks ‘Bad Habits’ and ‘Rue of the Unsound’, the five-piece perfectly execute emo, ambient rock with verses that gradually build and paint vivid pictures of ordinary moments, before breaking into trancelike choruses. Crash The Calm’s beautifully-layered, hypnotic harmonies and frequent gang vocals imbue even more power into the questions their lyrics pose about human nature, emotions, and the relationships we build throughout our lives.
Check out the EP below!
We caught up with Crash the Calm’s Brian Dowling (Singer/Guitarist) and Staleworth’s Brett Baehr (Guitarist)
Brian Dowling
So how has the response been for Staleworth / Crash the Calm split EP?
So far, the response has been awesome. It’s a good feeling when people are talking to you about your new music and actually go into depth about what they like about it. Makes you see that they actually listened. When Staleworth and Crash the Calm decided to do this, we knew it was going to be fun, but I think both bands really tried to push themselves and it shows.
What is your favourite track from the EP?
For Staleworth, “That’s Not My Wallet”, and for our own music, I’d have to say “Bad Habits”.
Can you tell something about the EP no one else knows?
I (Brian) recorded “Bad Habits” in the middle of a stomach bug and was in the hospital the next day after finishing recording that track.
How well do you both get on, are both bands good friends?
Yes, we’ve known the members of Staleworth for years. Such humble and hardworking dudes. I’m pretty sure Brett is in one of our music videos (“Goodbye & Goodluck”) and I also think he owns every piece of Crash merch we ever put out. We were so happy that this all worked out. We couldn’t have been more excited to be doing this with them, and I think both bands complement each other very well.
If you could work with any band on a new song, who would it be and why?
Julien Baker. I think she is one the most talented songwriters of our generation. She really captivates emotion in a way that paints a picture with her words, so that you feel exactly what she feels.
Will you be touring at all this year, if so would you do it together?
I can’t speak for Staleworth, but Crash the Calm is definitely working on putting together at least one more tour for the year. And as for it being with Staleworth, you’ll just have to wait and see.
What was the first ever gig you went to?
Good Charlotte, Something Corporate and Mest when I was in the 3rd Grade
What do you get up to in your spare time when not working on music?
I work at bagel store when not playing music. It’s a hobby and passion – just kidding. But some of our members play hockey, and some have families. For me, I mostly just work and play music. I don’t have much down time; I barely have time to sleep.
Brett Baehr
So how has the response been for Staleworth / Crash the Calm split EP?
The response has been great coming from everyone who has taken a listen. Would be cool to get it out there a bit more.
What is your favourite track from the EP?
“Bad Habits”
Can you tell something about the EP no one else knows?
“Monster” was originally named “Undertones”
How well do you both get on, are both bands good friends?
We’ve known the guys in Crash the Calm for about 4-5 years, from when James and I (Brett) were in a different project together at the time.
If you could work with any band on a new song, who would it be and why?
Taking Back Sunday or Thrice
Will you be touring at all this year, if so would you do it together?
Not this year, but in the upcoming Spring we plan on doing as many weekend tours as possible, so we can balance out work life as well.
What was the first ever gig you went to?
The Wonder Years when they played at the East Islip bowling alley about 10 years ago.
What do you get up to in your spare time when not working on music?
PC gaming