Review

In an era when rock music is supposedly on life support, Those Damn Crows swoop in with their third studio album "God Shaped Hole" to deliver a potent reminder that British hard rock is alive and kicking with righteous fury. The Bridgend five-piece have been steadily building momentum since their 2018 debut "Murder and the Motive," followed by 2020's "Point of No Return" which cracked the UK Top 20. With "God Shaped Hole," the Welsh rockers have crafted their most assured and ambitious statement yet – a collection that balances stadium-sized anthems with genuine emotional depth. Opening salvo "Who Did It To Ya" sets the tone perfectly – guitarist Ian "Shiner" Thomas and David Winchurch unleashing chunky, grinding riffs while frontman Shane Greenhall delivers a performance dripping with both venom and vulnerability. It's a combination that proves devastatingly effective throughout the album's runtime. What elevates "God Shaped Hole" above mere head-banging fodder is the band's willingness to tackle weighty themes with refreshing directness. The title track explores existential emptiness with surprising nuance, while "Wake Up" serves as both a personal rallying cry and a broader societal wake-up call, featuring one of the album's most infectious choruses. The production, courtesy of Dan Weller (Enter Shikari, Bury Tomorrow), strikes an ideal balance – polished enough for radio play but retaining enough grit to satisfy the purists. The rhythm section of Lloyd Wood (bass) and Ronnie Huxford (drums) provides a thunderous foundation that allows the twin guitar attack to truly soar, particularly on standout tracks like "Prey" and "This Time I'm Ready." While the band's influences are worn proudly – echoes of Alter Bridge's epic sweep and the working-class grit of Black Stone Cherry are evident – Those Damn Crows have developed a distinctive voice that feels authentically British. There's something refreshingly unpretentious about their approach; these are songs built for sweaty club shows and festival fields alike. If there's any criticism to be levelled, it's that occasionally the band's commercial instincts lead them toward safer territory than their obvious talents might allow. However, this is a minor quibble in the face of such consistently compelling songcraft. "Man On Fire" provides the album's emotional centerpiece – a searing examination of mental health struggles that showcases Greenhall's impressive vocal range and the band's ability to marry heaviness with genuine heart. It's a powerful reminder that behind the muscular riffs lies a band with something meaningful to say. By the time closer "Never Enough" brings proceedings to a cathartic conclusion, it's clear that Those Damn Crows have delivered a record that should cement their place at the forefront of British rock. "God Shaped Hole" is that rare beast – an album with enough commercial hooks to win new converts while packing sufficient substance to reward repeated listens. In a landscape littered with pretenders, Those Damn Crows have produced a genuine contender for British rock album of the year. The void has never sounded so good.

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