THE FRONT ROW

Few bands carry the weight of expectation quite like The Crooks. Bursting onto the scene in 2019 as one of the UK’s most exciting new guitar bands, they set a high bar with their raw energy and commanding sound. Now, with their fourth release of this year, Dreaming Out Loud, the Chesterfield quintet reminds us why they were tipped as a band with a “huge sound and a huge future.”

Dreaming Out Loud opens with a sweeping guitar riff that immediately pulls you in—classic Crooks. It’s loud, it’s commanding, and it’s unmistakably made for the big stages. This track doesn’t just nod to their early work; it shouts it from the rooftops, channelling the intensity and drive that first drew fans to their sound five years ago.

Jacko’s vocals remain the beating heart of the band’s music, effortlessly blending the emotive power of The Verve’s Richard Ashcroft with the contemporary edge of DMA’s. There’s a grit to his voice that feels authentic, giving the song a timeless quality while staying firmly rooted in the now. Add to this a polished production that captures the scale of their ambitions, and you have a track that not only lives up to expectations but exceeds them.

As Jacko himself says; “This tune grabs a hold of you and never lets go, it’s got that “3 chord
banger” mentality but also a melody I can belt out on stage and know people will sing it back to me in full force. It sums up the band in 3 minutes. Anthems and Rock n Roll.”

The band’s influences are worn proudly on their sleeves—Oasis-style swagger, Shed 7’s melodicism, and the anthemic allure of The Seahorses—but Dreaming Out Loud never feels derivative. Instead, it’s a synthesis of these elements, tailored with The Crooks’ unique flair.

The B-side, Again, takes a step back from the intensity and allows the band’s softer, more reflective side to shine. It’s reminiscent of earlier gems like She Walks Alone and In Time, where The Crooks proved their ability to craft songs that resonate on a deeper emotional level.

Jacko’s vocals here are a highlight once again, carrying a vulnerability that contrasts beautifully with the grandeur of Dreaming Out Loud. There’s a touch of Ashcroft’s introspection in his delivery again with a touch of raw Jacko soul. The instrumentation is subtle yet effective, with a gentle rhythm that swells just enough to keep you hooked.

As Dreaming Out Loud closes out The Crooks’ year, it’s hard not to feel excited about their future. With live dates at iconic venues like Leeds’ Brudenell Social Club (December 5th), Liverpool’s Jacaranda (December 6th), and Glasgow’s The Flying Duck (December 7th), they’ll undoubtedly continue to cement their place as one of the UK’s must-see guitar bands.

Both tracks serve as reminders of why The Crooks are not just surviving but thriving in an era saturated with guitar bands. While Dreaming Out Loud is poised to become a festival anthem, Again is a poignant addition to their ever-growing catalogue of heartfelt, stripped-back tracks.

For fans of classic Britpop and modern indie rock alike, this release is proof that The Crooks are not just dreaming out loud—they’re living it.

Tickets to upcoming shows: http://www.thisfeeling.co.uk/thecrooks

Listen here: https://linktr.ee/thecrooksuk