Who is Krooked Tongue?
Bristol’s Underground rock band Krooked Tongue kicked off 2023 by releasing a new single, “Velociraptor,” off their highly anticipated sophomore EP Deathproof to come later this year. The three-piece band consisting of lead singer and bassist Oli Rainsford, drummer Harry Pritchard, and guitarist Dan Smith explores a sonic mix of garage rock, indie-rock, and post-punk, a must-listen for fans of bands like the Strokes, the Black Keys, or the Arctic Monkeys.
The “Velociraptor” Roar
The band fittingly describes the song as “an ode to letting loose and having fun,” opening the track with a driving interplay of guitar and drums that sets an upbeat, bold pace for the remainder of the song. The chorus follows an exciting musical crescendo and thrashing bass lick, dropping into a halftime of longtones and a recurring guitar riff that is sure to make heads bang. A haunting pre-chorus follows the second verse, mimicking the sentiments of the chorus stating, “And I could be your nightmare honey, I could be the monster under your bed. And I could be your heartbreak honey, I could be the evil thoughts in your head” before fading into a tight outro line.
This song perfectly encapsulates its title of “Velociraptor” – simply a beast. Its opening demonstrates a controlled musical power, almost as if its wild side still remains caged, before bursting free in the chorus and beyond. Rainsford’s swagger and lyrics encourage listeners to let loose, have fun, and come as they are, singing “shed your skin and follow me, be what you be, see what you see. With that grin, that scaly smile, it’s been a long while, and I’m running wild.” This new single is nothing short of 2023’s underground rock anthem.
Stay on the lookout for the EP Deathproof later this May for more Krooked Tongue, and be sure to check out their other projects like “No Vacancy Hotel” wherever you stream your music.
