Crawlspace

Item: Shelter
Author: Doug Van Pelt

Shelter

(1993)

Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt

Discogs Bandcamp

Label A.R.T. RecordsHeaven's Metal #45January/February 1994

hardcore lo-fi post-hardcore

Here's an excellent tape with tons of energy and four good songs that you'll want to hear again and again. With the demise of the kings of intensity -- The Crucified -- bands like Crawlspace and Focused are proving to be good "substitutes." (?)

The band knows the power of good ole tribal, pounding drumming and a passionate loud spoken vocal delivery. Of course, the guitars have a nice crunch. "Grip," the best example here, which poses the question "Does 30 minutes of being high a fair trade for life in the grave?" It is also the best song on the album.

The only down part of the Crawlspace sound is the vocals drone instead of attacking. Again, "Grip" is the exception here, especially because Erik the vocalist takes his time to deliver his lines with conviction by speak-shouting. This weakness could be cured with a good producer pulling the right attitude and sound from the singer. Overall, this EP is hot. The production holds it back from inhilating the listener, but the music is powerful enough to knock you down. 'Nuff said.