Original songs with creative chemistry and a gripping dynamic appear few and far between these days – something well-written, snappy and accessible but also interesting, alternative, and edgy enough to feel purposeful. In this case, CHELLYX collaborates with the mighty PRAX, in romance and artistry alike, for an unexpectedly performative and unmistakable alternative gem, as CRAWLING BACK sinks straight into your subconscious.
Featuring a dark and dramatic but mellow old-school groove, with echoing vocals and a familiar chord pattern backing intermittent performances from each artist, CRAWLING BACK is independent in its fusion of genres, but accessible, moody and catchy in its concept and hook resolve.
At just two-twenty-three in full, this is a track that does what it needs to and then departs – no falseness, no filler, just evocative sentiments and an intriguing fusion of something like dark pop, grunge, electro pop and trip hop. The track feels like a rap anthem in some ways, the rasp and effects on the one hand, but the softer voice on the other, the Blu Cantrell chord pattern – it’s distorted nineties RnB and Hip Hop, instantly recognisable, but with that emo-alternative rock twist to the delivery and subtle passion.
CRAWLING BACK gets you hooked, in short – with its dynamic, its creativity, and the essential building blocks that satisfy and keep you coming back; a fitting response to a song with this title. The track holds you captive, an Oliver Tree-style hook but far from a gimmick, something of meaning, stylish late-night escapism, and a fine example of how to write a modern pop song that stands out from the crowd; in a great way.
Mixed and mastered by Trae Tuohy (Lithe engineer, 1B+ streams), CRAWLING BACK blends alt-rock and pop with fiercely relatable, gritty and memorable songwriting.
Download or stream CRAWLING BACK. Find PRAX on Instagram.
