If you're like me, you've probably been told countless times that you should listen to something other than your favorite 10 negative hardcore punk records.
Unfortunately, the people telling you this are probably right.
The silver lining, however, is that branching out can lead you to bands like Cronies.
Released in April via Ragdoll Records, Cronies' new demo is a pure distillation of playful punk rock 'n' roll packed into four songs and roughly 10 minutes. The songs are melodic and catchy, but there's also a layer of grime running through them that recalls the spirit of 1970s New York City punk.
The guitar melodies add a touch of power-pop charm, while the lead guitar work reinforces the band's bright, hook-heavy approach. Combined with the distorted lo-fi production, the instrumentals feel both energetically angsty and undeniably fun.
That sense of playful energy is elevated by the vocals, which land somewhere between shouted and sung.
Rather than leaning into the jaded irony that often defines punk rock lyricism, Cronies keep things refreshingly sincere. Whether singing about dead-end jobs or being completely smitten with a crush, these songs come straight from the heart.
The result is a winning combination of love, frustration, and youthful energy — the kind of music best enjoyed on a sunny day with a cold soda in hand.
If you're looking for a soundtrack for exactly that scenario, the Cronies demo is well worth your time. You can stream it on Bandcamp, and if you're lucky, you might still be able to track down a physical tape online.
Tagged: cronies
