I think when I say cracking, I interpret it as a way of collapsing in a very slow manner. Pieces of whatever is falling apart makes their way down slowly, yet all of a sudden it’s over.
My experience differs from everyone else’s. I came to that conclusion as I played through Crumb’s first complete album, Jinx. Of course, I will vouch for its hymns throughout the songs portraying the rise and fall of personal faults, triumphs and concepts of all that mankind knows.
I went on an elaborate journey from my student apartment to the “Live Music Capital of the World” (why is it called that?), and then I sat outside a venue for hours. The constant ins and outs of band members and their stage equipment. Glazing at them with wide eyes, it invoked my anticipation. It’s a small venue; I’m first in line to stand front row.
The openers were Shormey and Divino Niño, two upcoming bands just trying to put their name out there and share their art. I had never heard of them prior, but they were funky and hip with the way they danced across the stage.
Divino Niño’s lead singer, Camilo Medina, gave as much love to the crowd as they were giving him. Seeing long time friends from Latin America play it out on an American stage instantly connected me to their sound. True to their name, I remember telling Camilo that he looked like he was living out his childhood dream, tocando una guitarra; and he did it well!
I bought some merch from the band. I have their button on my backpack and a shirt hanging in my closet. The concert gave me the chance to meet and share a couple laughs with Camilo. That allowed me to appreciate the bands music a bit more, putting them in my top time favorite artists.
It was time for the final act everyone was waiting for.
Locket’s creator, a song made popular on TikTok, is most notably Crumb’s most recognized song. It’s for good reason though, as it takes us on a journey inside the ever-revolving mind of lead singer, Lila Romani.
The most rewarding aspect about seeing Crumb less than an arms-reach distance, is how closely they sound to their studio quality. In retrospect, that’s what live performers aim to do. I’m saying that for me, it was all I could really ask for. To feel in a trance, nodding my head to every bass line as they ripple through the crowd. I actually sang along with songs that resonate with me, as if the whole world could hear me.
What I did for myself, was to experience an album in real life. Appreciating the intricacies of what goes into each and every song. Being part of a crowd that dances the “indie” dance by bending their knees in place, bobbin’ heads and swaying ever-so slightly. Making friends over the other artists we know, how we felt about the release of Jinx. It’s an outlet to exist in a moment and appreciate people for who they are.
Finally, I pose a question: What keeps you from cracking?
What still keeps myself intact, are the couple of minutes of recollection. Certain people, places, feelings and reflections of the past I keep in memory makes for a bittersweet marvel of what I hold close to my heart. Jinx does not let you forget that. For that, I adore the 27 minutes Jinx allows me to take things at face value and to get over it just as the song ends.
Stream Jinx below!
Coffee Shop Talk 