‘This is Only a Test’, the debut EP from Crooked Cranes, is a raw and honest snapshot of four friends making music the way they want—unpolished, spontaneous, and full of personality. Recorded in the basement where they grew up, the EP captures their youthful energy and the laid-back vibe of late nights spent with friends. Influenced by bands like Dinosaur Jr. and The White Stripes, Crooked Cranes bring a mix of stoner rock and alternative sounds that feel familiar but fresh. Each track has its own character, blending stories of real-life moments with gritty riffs and catchy melodies.
The EP opens strong with “GF”, a gritty, riff-driven track where the singer wrestles with complicated feelings after finding out his dad slept with his girlfriend. The raw emotion hits hard and immediately pulls you in. “Mehico” follows with a wild story about an encounter with a cartel boss, carrying a chaotic energy that contrasts nicely with the more laid-back “Dolfin”. This track slows things down, offering a mysterious vibe about a girl who keeps her distance, adding a softer, more reflective side to the EP. “Interstate Song” keeps that calm going, with easy-going rhythms perfect for road trips or quiet moments.
The mood shifts with “Met a Gurl”, a fuzzy, bittersweet track about divorce and frustration that keeps the honesty flowing. It’s personal but never heavy-handed. Closing out the EP is “NeWay”, a stoner rock anthem all about getting high and losing yourself in music, a fitting end to a record that feels like hanging out with old friends. Throughout ‘This is Only a Test’, Crooked Cranes balance humor, pain, and chill vibes in a way that feels genuine and unforced, making it an EP worth revisiting.
English