Basement Anthems and Blunt Truths – Crooked Cranes Nail It with ‘This is Only a Test’

The debut EP from Crooked Cranes, ‘This is Only a Test’ transports listeners to a basement party right when the amps start heating up and the first beer is opened. It hit the shelves on May 9, 2025 and its unfiltered rawness and loudness paired with honesty make it shine because it doesn’t force its appeal. The album showcases high school friends from Fuquay Varina who recorded songs they enjoy without applying any filters. The EP starts with “GF”, which delivers a chaotic yet funny experience through its fuzzy and riff-heavy sound. The song tells a wild tale about a guy who learns his girlfriend slept with his dad which leaves him conflicted about whether to attack or congratulate her. Its absurdity makes sense through its catchy sound. The track “Mehico” transports listeners to a real Mexican adventure that involved an actual cartel leader. The track bursts with gritty speed that feels like it was born from a drunken night of memory chaos with both too much and too little remembered.

“Dolfin” introduces a smooth transition with its chilled-out tune about a mysterious girl who remains nameless. The musicians reveal their gentle side through this track while its blurry and relaxed guitar melodies create an ideal soundscape for cruising at night or wandering aimlessly while high. The song “Interstate Song” maintains its relaxed rhythm with lyrics that drift past like signs along a highway during a long drive. The composition deliberately slows down because that is its main intention. The song “Met a Gurl” accelerates with its gritty guitar riff and profound emotional depth. The song tackles themes of divorce and heartbreak while including possible regret yet it maintains its raw garage-band sincerity. The EP concludes with “NeWay”, a full-on stoner rock anthem. The track combines getting high with music listening while the world fades away. This closing track feels like the band giving their audience permission to enjoy the music however they like.

Crooked Cranes don’t care about being perfect. They care about being real. ‘This is Only a Test’ inspires listeners to grab an instrument and gather friends to create loud music together. The band demonstrates clear influence from Dinosaur Jr. and Built to Spill while maintaining their own unique sound. The music thrives in its birthplace basement where chaos and smoke mingle with poor choices to create brilliance.

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