I’ve let things go to shit in the flat I’m isolated in. The dishes have grown mould that I’m convinced is breathing, the bins are stinking up the place, and I look like Tom Hanks in Castaway. I’m surprised at how much of my time I initially had good intentions of using productively has turned into watching ASMR videos and experimenting with food to the point that I ruin what could have been two tasty meals instead of one.
It’s perhaps a sign from the almighty to get my act together when I get a call from the Independent Music News office to write a piece on the new album by Creamboy, Clean Up My Mind. Comprised of Theo Backus on vocals and guitar, Hally Fulford on bass, and Elijah Batson on drums and backing vocals, these three incredible talents have provided us with a banging debut record. Let’s go through it, shall we?
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Brain Scans
The album opener, Brain Scans, begins with a chilled guitar riff and vocals that sound like they’ve been sung through a megaphone. I like that, can I borrow it? The song feels exciting and gives you a perfect introduction into what the band are all about.
Clean Up My Mind
Clean Up My Mind is a gritty shoutout to frustrations and a defiant one that resonates with you long after listening to it. The lyrics are thought-provoking, and the instrumentation mashes with it perfectly. It keeps up the same energy felt in Brain Scans, and bring us nicely into the next track.
Sick Dog/Glass Of Water
The tempo slows down for Sick Dog/Glass Of Water, with incredibly striking and gripping opening lines of: “You’re a sick dog, I’ll be coming home with a knife in my hand”. It demands your attention, like a small child, only without the massively annoying screams about it “not being fair”. I want to hit the repeat button, but I have a job to do, and so we march forward.
Miles
The fourth song on Clean Up My Mind offers a slightly different take on the band’s formula, and I’m definitely here for it. They show off the variety they are capable of; dipping their toes into a more familiar sound, with elements of punk still on display.
Heart So Stale
And I thought that Miles was different. Heart So Stale is led by an acoustic guitar, accompanied by piano and drums. It’s heartbreaking and beautiful, with complex and thoughtful lyrics. It might just be my favourite so far.
Christ On A Stick
No, it’s not some weird snack or an oversimplification of the crucifixion, it’s the sixth track on Clean Up My Mind. After calming the mood in the previous song, Creamboy go back to a tune that forces you to bounce your head, and I can imagine this being the one to get the crowd clapping along to when all this nonsense with COVID-19 is sorted.
Tarzan
This track is like my local crackhead – it doesn’t mess about. Tarzan is a short song, clocking in at under two minutes, and it’s very typical to Creamboy’s style. It’s one of those that you wished was longer, but know it’s always best to be left wanting more.
W/Out U
Huzzah! Text speak is back? Luv u 4eva, Creamboy. The penultimate track W/Out U is a cracking tune too. It relaxes you like a massage, then energises you like a shot of caffeine.
Brain Scans Reprise
I love a good reprise, even though I don’t fully know what it means. I could easily Google the word, but I relent. Brain Scans Reprise brings you full circle to the start of the album, in a stripped-back, acoustic reworking of the first track. It feels fitting.
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Creamboy, you’ve got another fan. I love you. Follow my Twitter, please! Sorry, I’ll calm it down – Clean Up My Mind is out now. Give it a listen; I promise you will not regret it.
