by Dan Goldin (@post_trash_)
It would seem there’s something in the water over in Cincinnati, or at least a community that has risen up among the city’s underground punk scene. The past few months have seen new albums from both The Serfs and The Drin, two bands that embrace the gothic romanticism of 80’s post-punk, released to acclaim throughout the international punk channels. Joining those bands (and even sharing some members) is Crime of Passing, a tight quintet that has been kicking around locally in Cincinnati for the past five years. Set to release their upcoming self-titled full length debut on April 22nd via Feel It Records (Spread Joy, Romero, Delivery), the band pull us deep into the murky waters, embracing coldwave and elements of industrial pop into the shadowy formula.
Our introduction to the album came courtesy of “Tender Fixation,” a radiant song built on shouted vocals and a tunnel of shoegaze-tinted guitars, coating the mix with an immediate density. “Ways of Hiding,” the band’s latest single and album closer opts for something more nuanced and reserved, but equally compelling. With a pulsating beat and layers upon layers of synths, the band take a dreamier approach to their motorik din, matching synthetic drums with melodies that absolutely drift. It’s dark but beautiful, eerie yet tranquil, an encapsulation of Crime of Passing’s blending of disparate moods.