Crywank, Auckland NZ, 2019

Crywank

18th October 2019
Cassette Nine, Auckland, New Zealand.

Review by Sarah Kidd. Photography by Richard Myburgh.

It was an evening of both celebrations and commiserations as anti-folk punk duo Crywank made their New Zealand debut appearance eight days after announcing their impending demise.

Citing an all-consuming obsession with the band that has put a strain on both the friendship and creative outlets of James Clayton and drummer Daniel Watson, Crywank will cease to exist after the conclusion of their Summer tour in 2020; the open and honest nature of the Facebook post in keeping with Clayton’s self-confessional character. It’s a decision that while understandably lamented has also been whole-heartedly embraced by their fans who wish only the best for two artists who have seen many a listener through the darkest of times.

Supported by both four piece ‘poppy punky queer super rad band’ Cootie Cuties for whom excitingly it was their first ever show and purveyors of emo, Soda Boyz, Crywank arrived to a heroes welcome, the Manchester duo who have been together since 2012 seemingly somewhat taken aback by the sheer outpouring of love. Armed with his acoustic guitar, Claytons tousled blonde locks framed features that looked just as happy to see the audience as they did him.

While it is a well-known fact that Clayton is the creative force behind Crywanks back catalogue, Watsons’ impeccable drumming and poker-faced demeanour anchors the performances, Clayton’s jangling guitar playing and exhilarating vocal delivery cultivating a sense of joy within the room that is tangible. Last night is what live music is supposed to be all about. Period.

Delivering material from albums such as Narcissist on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown right through to their latest release Wearing Beige on a Grey Day, Crywank brought the house down with their request for everyone to scream during ‘Privately Owned Spiral Galaxy’, the cacophony so cathartic that the vivacity of the audience for ‘Jk’ which followed increased tenfold. No surprise then that they were one of the headliners at this year’s Manchester Punk Festival and have a dedicated following across the globe.

Of course, when speaking of Crywank, one has to make mention of the superlative lyricism that litters their albums; self-deprecating, sincere, tongue-in-cheek and at times just plain sorrowful, Crywank or more specifically Clayton is as eloquent as he is lewd; his personal favourite ‘An Academics Lament on Barbie’ conclusive proof. Used as a form of therapy for himself – the lyrics often very personal – they also speak to the emotions and experiences that many of their fans are trying to deal with too. Tracks such as last night’s ‘I’ll have some in a bit’ which is about not being able to eat or sleep sometimes, relatable to far too many.

Discussing how their songs can be both silly and serious, Clayton conveyed a message to those in attendance which should be carved in stone for all to see and use as a reference point for the rest of their lives. Life is nothing but a continuous cycle of happy and sad periods and no matter how dark the bad times get, each and everyone of us will once again find joy.

Speaking of how many of his friends had attempted suicide and how every single one of them was forever thankful that they had not succeeded, Clayton concluded by wholeheartedly thanking the audience, Crywank finishing with ‘I Am Shit’.

For the love of all that is good, do not miss the opportunity to witness the duo on one of their numerous upcoming world tour dates. For not only does the fully self-funded and managed Crywank deserve your support, they are the last great bastion of what music can and should be in a world full of incessant and often disposable noise.

Were you there at Cassette Nine for this good times Anti-Folk gig? Or have you seen Crywank perform somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Setlist:

1. Crywank Are Posers
2. Nostril Tampon
3. Unassimilated Normie
4. Hikikomori
5. Harvey Milk Shit On The Table
6. Now I’m Sad (Boo Hoo)
7. A Phony In A World Of Holden Caulfields
8. Pr8y Boy
9. Waste
10. Life Is Life And That’s So Deep
11. Momento Mori / Song For A Guilty Sadist
12. Love
13. Story Of The Lizard And The Sock
14. It’s OK I Wouldn’t Remember Me Either
15. Privately Owned Spiral Galaxy
16. Jk
17. Leech Boy
18. I’ll Have Some In A Bit
19. Only Everyone Can Judge Me
20. Part 2
21. Just A Snail
22. An Academics Lament On Barbie
23. I Am Shit

If you enjoyed this content, please consider donating towards the running of Ambient Light, covering expenses and allowing us to expand the coverage you love by visiting our PressPatron page.