Benny Crespo’s Gang
The band continually weaves together different elements in their music. Pretty melodies are pitted against jarring dissonance, riffs clash with tender pop, guitars and synthesizers are mixed and matched and the soft voice of female vocalist, guitarist and keyboardist Lovísa creates a counterbalance to the frantic screams of singer, guitarist Helgi. If Portishead and Queens of the Stone Age had a baby that they would raise in a fucked up cult called Church of PJ Harvey from which the child would escape once it turned eighteen with its sweetheart, Mastodon, only to move into a commune with a bunch of prog bands—you would be left with a very obtuse analogy that wouldn‘t come near explaining the utter madness that is the music of Benny Crespo‘s Gang. To truly understand you must see one of their shows. And headbang. Or whatever you‘re into. Benny Crespo‘s Gang doesn‘t judge.
Benny Crespo’s Gang’s self-titled 2007 début was gobbled up by local rock-enthusiasts and received top marks from all who reviewed it. Their legendary live shows have consistently made new fans out of anyone who happens to be in the vicinity, and their much-hyped performances at the Iceland Airwaves and Aldrei fór ég suður festivals have earned them fans from all over the world and positive reviews in publications such as NME and Clash Magazine
Benny Crespo’s Gang is now working on its sophomore effort, plotting further steps towards world domination and plan to tour the world extensively.
Here’s what the Icelandic music press had to say about Benny Crespo’s Gang’s first LP, released in 2007:
“It is very hard for me not to over-praise this band’s debut.”
4,5/5 DV (Icelandic Daily Newspaper) – Andri Freyr Viðarsson
“Benny Crespo’s Gang’s
debut is without doubt one of the better albums of this year and a
must-have for rock-enthusiasts.”
4,5/5 Ísafold (Icelandic Magazine) – Björn Stefánsson
“As far as i’m concerned, the race for the Icelandic Album of the Year was over the day Benny Crespo’s Gang ended a three-year recording process and released their self-titled debut.”
Grapevine (Reykjavík’s English Language Magazine) – Sveinn Birkir Björnsson
“The album
exceeded my expectations and is not about to leave the CD-player any time
soon. Clearly one of the better albums of this year!”
96% Monitor (Icelandic Magazine) – Hildur Maral Hamíðsdóttir
Benny Crespo’s Gang was nominated for the Rock Album of the Year, Best New Comers and People’s Choice at the Icelandic Music Awards 2007. Without getting into too much detail about the band’s live performances, here’s what the press has to say:
“Mixing searing rock with eerie Portishead palpable lulls under tender female vocalisations, they raised the bar to yet another level and sent a note of promise to their future international careers.”
– Live review by Matthew Bennet – Clashmusic.com
“[…] While Benny Crespo’s Gang demonstrated real potential beyond the island’s scene. Combining urgent synths and driving, impassioned rock, their twin boy-girl vocalists saw them swap between moments both Biffy Clyro and Hope Sandoval (Mazzy Star) would be proud of.”
– Live review – NME
https://www.facebook.com/bennycresposgang/