Review by Gary Spiller for MPM
It’s more than fair to say independent record company Earache Records punch well above their weight nowadays and deservedly so.
Less than a week after proud Lancastrians, and fellow label mates, Massive Wagons stormed the top 5 of the UK Official Album charts the rock community are further treated to the release of Those Damn Crows latest single ‘Glass Heart’ on the Nottingham-based label.
South Wales’s sharpest dressed gents, stepping off their video set attired as keen edged as Miami Vice’s Rico and Sonny, have synchronised this most welcome return to action with the highly-anticipated news of the release of their fourth studio album ‘God Shaped Hole’ – a nod to the hard-hitting lyrics of preceding single ‘Let’s Go Psycho’ – in April ’25.
With a primetime Planet Rock premiere coming less than a month prior to the largest, to date, headline show – at Cardiff’s 7,500 capacity Utilita Arena – that The Crows have undertaken in their decade long career this is a track primed for arena action. Accoutered with more riffing and pugilistic hooks than a year’s subscription to both Angling Times and Fishing News ‘Glass Heart’ shakes a knowing nod to the equally contagious likes of ‘Blink Of An Eye’ and ‘Who Did It’.
Fast paced yet with a sensitive side ‘Glass Heart’ is guaranteed to be a surefire winner with the loyal ranks of Crows fans and hard rock fans alike. Bridgend’s hard-rocking Corvidea have flexed their collective feathers in their ever-industrious style. Clearly touring with The Hollywood Vampires and Böhse Onkelz has reaped seriously positive dividends.
Honest to the core from the off. Opening lines “I’ve always been unstable, I’ve always been unable, To participate and take an advice” set the scene immediately. Lyrically the words resonate deeply, aligning with previous heartfelt emotional numbers such as ‘Sin On Skin’ and ‘This Time I’m Ready’ demonstrate there’s a sincere knack of scribing with the ability of being able to relate to people on many levels from many perspectives.
In the ten years since formation Those Damn Crows have forged their own identity and crafted a sound that immediately defines and identifies them. A key ingredient in the music industry it’s one element, amongst several, fostered by the likes of Quo, Maiden, Sabbath et al that has ensured lengthy careers. There’s no sign of relenting or retreat from The Crows – ‘God Shaped Hole’ is released via Earache Records on 11th April 2025.
Pre-order ‘God Shaped Hole’ here
Purchase tickets for Utilita Arena, Cardiff (Saturday December 14th) here
