True North by The Crossing review

The Crossing are a four-piece alternative rock band hailing from Northern California. All self-taught musicians, they joined forces when the song True North was written. Their music is finely placed between pop and rock, with influences from alt. rock bands like Fall Out Boy, New Found Glory and Paramore (though more instrumentally then vocally). When True North was released they found an overwhelming response awaiting them and have quickly built a large fanbase.

The song begins with a brooding synth before Tad Kent’s emotive, expressive vocals kick in backed by just drums and bass to begin with. He has a distinctive and impressive voice with a wide range that helps to define the band’s sound. After the sparse verse the music breaks down just to vocals briefly, acting as a pre-chorus ‘calm before the storm’. This makes the surge of guitars that enter with the chorus all the more effective. This is a band that understands dynamics well.

The second verse brings back the synth with some excellent atmospheric lead guitar work from Steven Darling, and some inventive fills from drummer Jared Ramos. Bassist Casey White also contributes a strong performance and together they form a rock solid rhythm section. The second chorus is played half-time for the second half, which is another nice dynamic, before a break down, build and long lead out section.

The Crossing – True North from Christian Strickland on Vimeo.
Overall, this is a great track that has been produced to perfection, with a commercial sound that is also edgy enough to appeal to the alternative crowd. By balancing the rock and pop elements so well they should find they have a large crossover appeal and will build a huge following if they can deliver a whole album of similar quality.

By Alex Faulkner