The Crux gets the party started on the playfully and aptly titled “Club Soda Bump”. A strong funky vibe ties the whole of the EP together, with glitch, disco, dance, chillwave, electro, and more filtering into the fray. With this highly unique sound, the glee that each piece radiates adds to the EP’s inviting nature. Melodically dense, the way the grooves carry the rest of the sound along feels majestic to fully behold. By allowing many, many layers into the swirling mix it becomes easy to get lost in the neon-hued synthesizer vamps. Various percussive elements work their own wonders, for they hold absolutely nothing back as they rush on through in vivid color.
Elements of the Crux’s sound draw from Prince’s 80s output, for there is that sense of defiance, adventure, and pure lust that enters the sound. Going to more contemporary groups, pieces of Ed Banger Records electro-dance rock leanings are felt in full swing, as there are moments here that will recount Justice at the peak of their powers. Further on, the clever pop hooks recall the low-slung G-funk of Dam Funk in terms of its sheer intensity. Neon Indian’s love of their surroundings and summer jam vibes inform much of the work as well, ensuring that there is a gorgeous cadence to be felt in full.
On the title track “Club Soda Bump” there’s a clear debt to the decadent 80s decade. Here the beat hits with a physicality for the rest of the sound further adds to the illustrious sensibility of the piece. Everything here works in service of getting everyone moving, with the snippets of samples entering it to further give the work a communal quality. Beats are polished, and the production stuns. Vocals are brought in with “Friends (feat. Cleva Thoughts)”. Her verses are succinct, cutting right to the core of the issue. An exploration of relationships and what they mean, the word choice has a thoughtfulness to them. Knowing who is a friend and who can be more than a friend takes a while to fully figure out, and the journey the track embarks on has a universal appeal. Bass reigns supreme over the deep cut “Slick Cadillac”. Any song mentioning a Cadillac deserves a bit of fanfare, and the Crux makes sure this is added to give the track that extra fire.
A truly needed piece of sonic joy, the Crux creates a glistening joyous atmosphere with “Club Soda Bump”.
